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4 



HISTORY 



OP THE 



ir^i^mp g^^^^g 



OP 



AMERICA. 



BY i 

REV. CHARLES A. GOODRICH. 



WITH SKGRikVIXrGS. 

TWENTY THIRD EDITION. 

» 

IN WHICH 

THE HISTORICAL EVENTS ARE BROUGHT DOWN TO 

THE YEAR 1827. 

AND TO WHICH IS ADDED A 

GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES. 



NEW-YORK, 

WILLIAM \r. R£ED &/ CO. 
MDCCCXXVIIl. 






DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT, ss. 

Be it remembered, That on the eighth day of 
h. s. March, in the forty-seventh year of the Indepen- 
dence of the United States of America, Rev. 
Charles A. Goodrich, of the said district, hath deposited 
in this oflSce the title of a hook, the right whereof he 
claims as author, in the vrords following — to wit : " A His- 
tory of the United States of America. By Rev. Charles A. 
Goodrich. With Engravings." In conformity to the Act of 
the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for 
the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of 
such copies, during the times therein mentioned." 

CHAS. A. INGERSOLL, 

Clerk of the District of Conneetieut. 

A. true copy of Record, examined and sealed by me. 

CHAS. A. INGERSOLL, 

Clerk of the District of Connecticut. 






^ / >- 



^ PREFACE. 



7? 



Some time since, the author pubhshed a His- 
tory of the United States for schools, the plan of 
which, though novel, met with general approba- 
tion. Encouraged by this sanction of a work, 
originally offered with much diffidence, the au- 
tujr ventures to bring before the public the 
present volume, founded upon the work above- 
mentioned, but somewhat expanded, both in 
respect to leading facts, and minute details. 

As to the views which led the author to adopt 
a plan, in treating a historical subject, so widely 
departing from precedent and authority, he would 
refer to his preface to the school book for an 
explanation. Whether these views will satisfy 
every one of the excellence of the plan, or not, 
it is hoped, that they may at least rescue the 
work from being classed with that deluge of 
publications, which inundate the country, and 
which seem to have no better origin than conceit, 
or pecuniary speculation. 

For the benefit of the reader who may not 
advert to the work already mentioned, the fol- 
lowing explanations may be necessary. 



4 PREFACE. 

This History of the United States is divided 
into eleven periods — each distinguished by some 
pecuUar characteristic. The main purpose of 
this division is, to aid the memory by presenting 
certain prominent eras, from which the whole 
subject of dates may be distinctly surveyed ; and 
the object of attaching to each period some dis- 
tinguishing trait is, that the recollection may the 
more readily assign events to their eras, and thus 
determine their dates. Thus, a person acquaint- - 
ed with our division of the subject knows that 
all discoveries^ or nearly all, belong to period I, 
and therefore lie between the years 1492 and 
1607. He is, therefore, able to fix the date of 
any discovery, with, sufficient accuracy for all 
practical purposes. The same will apply to 
events belonging to the other periods. 

Two sizes of type are employed. The matter 
in larger type is designed to give a brief outline 
of the history of the United States, and may be ^ 
read in connexion. The matter in smaller type 
is to be regarded rather in the light of notes, 
which, without studying exact regularity, are 
thrown in, as they may subserve the purposes of 
illustration and completeness in the delineation 
of events ; or as they may contribute to support 
the interest, and establish the recollections of 
the reader. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In entering upon the perusal of a volume with 
higher objects in view than those of mere amuse- 
ment, it is well to place those objects distinctly 
before us. What advantages, then, do we pro 
pose to ourselves, in perusing the History of the 
United States ? In general, it may be said, that 
the proper end of all reading is to make ^^ good 
men and good citizens.'^'' But by what particular 
steps is History to subserve this end ? 

1 . History sets before us striking instances of 
rirtue, enterprise, courage, generosity, patriot- 
ism ; and, by a natural principle of emulation, 
incites us to copy such noble examples. History 
also presents us with pictures of the vicious 
ultimately overtaken by misery and shame, and 
thus solemnly warns us against vice. 

2. History, to use the words of Professor 
Tytler, is the school of politics. That is, it 
opens the hidden springs of human affairs ; the 
causes of the rise, grandeur, revolutions, and fall 
of empires ; it points out the influence which the 
manners of a people exert upon a government, 
and the influence which that government recip- 



INTRODUCTION. 



locally exerts upon the manners of a people ; it 
illustrates the blessings of political union, and 
the miseries of faction ; the dangers of unbridled 
liberty, and the mischiefs of despotic power. 



Observation. In a free country, where every man may be 
called upon to discharge important duties, either by his 
vote, or by the administration of office, it is the business 
of all to be more or less acquainted with the science of 
politics. Nothing can better instruct us in this than the 
study of history. 



3. History displays the dealings of God with 
mankind. It calls upon us often to regard with 
awe his darker judgments, and again it awakens 
the liveliest emotions of gratitude for his kind 
and benignant dispensations. It cultivates a 
sense of dependence on him ; strengthens our 
confidence in his benevolence ; and impresses 
us with a conviction of his justice. 

4. Besides these advantages, the study of 
history, if properly conducted, offers others, of 
inferior importance, indeed, but still they arc 
not to be disregarded. It chastens the imagina- 
tion ; improves the taste ; furnishes matter for 
conversation and reflection ; enlarges the range 
of thought ; strengthens and disciplines the 
mind. 



GENERAL. DIVISION. 



The History of the United States of America 
may be divided into Eleven Periods^ eacli dis- 
tinguished by some striking characteristic, or 
remarkable circumstance. 

The jFiVf^t ^CtiOtl will extend from the 
DiscoT cry of America, by Columhifs, 1492, to 
the first permanent English settlement in Ameri- 
ca, at Jamestown, Virginia, 1607, and is distin- 
guished for Discoverie-. 

Obs. Previous to the discovery of America in 1492, the in- 
habitants of Europe, Asia, and Africa, were of course ignorant 
of its existence. But soon after this event, several expeditions 
were fitted out, and came to make discoveries, in what was tlien 
called the " New World." Accordingly, between 1492 and 
IfiOr, the principal countries lying along tlie eastern coast of 
N(.irt]i America, were discovered, and more or less explm =»d. 
As our history, during this period, embraces little more than 
accounts of these expeditions, we characterize it as remarKeu le 
for discoveries. 

The StCOIttI pf tiOtI will extend from the 
Settlement of Jamestoicn, 1607, to the accession 
of William and Mary to the throne of England, 
1689, and is distinguished for Settlements. 

Obs. During this period our history is principally occupied 
in detailing the various settlements, which were either effected, 
or attempted, within the boundaries of the United States, It 
inchuJcs, indeed, wars with the natives — disputes between pro- 
prietors cf lands, and colonies — the formation of governments, 
&c. &c. ; but these are circumstances which pertain to, and 
form a part of, the settlement of new countries. As this pe- 
Iriod embraces the settlement of most of the original States in 
the Union, viz. IViassachusetts, including Maine, Connecticut, 
Rhode Island, New-Hampshire, New-York, New-Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, Delaware, North and South Carolina, and 
Virginia, it is therefore characterized as remarkable for settle- 
menti. 



8 GENERAL DIVISION. 

The S^i^ftTf 4PCT(0tl will extend from the 
Accession of William and Mary to the throne 
of England, 1689, to the declaration of the war 
by England against France, called " the French 
and Indian War," 1756, and is remarkable for 
the three wars of King William, Queen Anne, 
and George II. 

Obs. So long as the Colonies remained attached to the Eng" 
glish crown, they became involved, of course, in the wart »>1 
the mother country. Three times during this period, was \TOr 
proclaimed between England and France, and, as the Frenv^ii 
had possession of Canada, and were leagued with several 
powerful tribes of Indians, as often did the colonies become the 
theatre of their hostile operations. This period is therefore 
most remarkable for these three wars. 

The ffS^\%Xi^\ ^rVfOtl will extend from the 
Declaration ofivar hy England against France^ 
1756, to tlie commencement of hostilities by 
Great Britian against the American Colonies, in 
the battle of Lexington, 1 775, and is distinguish- 
ed for the French and Indian War. 

The jFiftll Pttie^^ will extend from the 
Battle of Lexington, 1775, to the disbanding of 
the American Army at West Point, New- York, 
1783, and is distinguished for the War of the 
Revolution. 

The ^(lirtll J^etiO^ will extend from the 
Disbanding of the Arniy^ 1783, to the inaugu- 
ration of George Washington, as President of the 
United States, under the Federal Constitution, 
1789, and is distinguished for the Formation 
and Establishment of the Federal Constitu- 
tion. 

The S^^ent!| I^CVCCJtr will extend from tlie 
Inauguration of Presidc7it Washington, 1 789, 
to the inauguration of John Adams, as President 
of the United States, 1797. This period is dis- 
tinguished for Washington's Administration. 



GENERAL DIVISION. 9 

The ISiStttH llCtiOtI will extend from the 
Juauguratum of President Adams, 1797. to the 
Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as president 
of the United States, 1801. This period is dis 
tinguished for Adams' Administration. 

The Xintll 4i)crf 04l will extend from the Tn- 
miguration of President J<:fferson, 1 80 1 , to the 
Inauguration of James; Madison a* president of 
the United Jr^taies, 1809. This period is distin- 
guished for Jefferson's Administration. 

The ^tnttl |)rriOll will extend from the In- 
auguration of President ModiHon, 1 809, tt) the 
Inauguration of Jamcjs Monroe, as president of 
the United States, 1817. This period is distin- 
guished for Madison's Administration, and the 
late War with Great Britain. 

The kalCtu it-:, 4^ttt4>5 will extend from the 
Inauguration of President Monroe, 1817, to the 
Inauguration of John Quincy Adams, and is dis- 
tjjiguished for Monroe's Administration. 



UNITED STATES. 

DISTINGUISHED rOR DISCOVERIES. 

Extending front the Discovery of San 8alva» 
dor by Coluwhus, '492, to the first perma- 
nent English settlement at Jamestown, ViV' 
ginia, 1607. 

Section I. The early discoveries on the Con- 
tinent of America were made by the Spaniards, 
English, and French. 

In these, the Spaniards took the Jead ; and 
have the honour of first communicating to Eu- 
rope the intelligence of a New World. 

For several year'^ *^)reviously to the discovery 
of America, the atten^.on of Europe nad been 
drawn to the enterprises of the Portuguese, 
who were attempting to discover a passage to rhe 
East Indies, by doubling the southern extremity 
of Africa. 

Christopher Columhus, a native of Genoa, 
roused by these enterprises, and strongly per- 
suaded that a western passage to the East Indies 
was practicable, by steering across the Atlantic, 
determined to ascertain the point by experiment. 

Accordingly, after encountering various diffi- 
culties he sailed from Spain, Friday, Aug. S, 
1492, with a small fleet, under the patronage of 
Ferdinand and Isabel la, then on the united thrones 
of Castile and Arragon ; and on the 12th of Oct. 
1492, discovered the Island San Salvador, 
.This Island is three thousand miles west of the 



PERIOD I....1492....1607....DISCOyERI£S. H 

Canaries, — ^the most wtisieni land known at the 
time of Columbus' discovery, — and is now known 
as one of the Bahamas. 

Columbus, after ujaturing his plan, first offered to sail under 
the patronage of th*' Senate of Genoa, but they treated his pro- 
ject as visionary. He next solicited tlie patronage of the Por- 
tuguese, but was denied. 

Disappointed in these applications, and despairing of assist- 
ance from Henry VII. of England, to who'^n he had sent his 
brother Bartholomew, but, who, being captured, did not reach 
England for several years : Columbus next laid his plans before 
Ferdinand and Isabella. 

Ferdinand was long deaf to his application ; but through the 
favour of Isabella, who listened to his plans, a treaty was made 
with him. The queen sold her jewels and defrayed the ex- 
pense of his outfit and voyage. His fleet consisted of the 
Santa Maria, Pinta and Nigna, with ninety men, victualled 
for a year. The whole expense was the small sum of about 
sixteen thouscuid dollai-s. 

Columbus, when he sailed, expected to land in India ;* but 
Providence was opening his way to an unknown world. He 
first touched at the Canaries, and thence stretched westwara 
into seas as yet unexplored. 

After sailing about two months, the crew became anxious 
and discontented. They were appalled at the extent of their 
voyage, and despaired of accomplishing the purposes for which 
it was undertaken. Columbus, however, in the midst of mu- 
tiny, and while every heart around him sunk under the most 
gloomy apprehensions, remained firm and inflexible. He con- 
trived to pacify the spirit of rebellion, by promising to return j 
if land should not be discovered within three days. 

Tlie night of the 11th of October, 1492, was memorable to 
Columbus, and to the world. Convinced from appearances that 
.and was near, he ordered the sails furled, and a w atch set. No 
eye, however, was shut. All on board was suspense and sleep- 
less expectation. 

About midnight, the cry of land ! land f was heard on board 
the Pinta. The morning came, — October 12th O. S< — and 
realized their anticipations. The island was distinctly in view. 
The occasion demanded an acknowledgment to Him, who had 
so auspiciously guided their way. All, therefore, bowed in 
humble gratitude, and joined in a hymn of thanks to God. 

* It has been stated, and perhaps with truth, that Columbus expected to 
find a western continent; but still the best authorities unite in saying, that 
bin object was to discoTcr a western passage to India. 



12 PERIOD I...„1492-,.lG07....DlSCOVEBiES. 

Columbus, in a rich dress, and with a drawn sword, soott 
after landed wltti his men, with whom having kneeled and 
kissed the ground with tears of joy, he took formal possession 
of the Island, in the name of Queen Isabella, his patron. On 
landing, the Spaniards were surprised to find a race of people, 
quite unlike any ihat they had ever seen before. They were of 
a dusky, copper colour — naked — beardless, with long black 
hair, floating on their shoulders, or bound in tresses round their 
heads. The natives were still more surprised at the sight oi 
the Spaniards, whom they considered, as the children of the 
sun, their idol. The ships they looked upon as animals, with 
eyes of lightning, and voices of thunder. 

Having spent some time in examining the country, and in an 
amicable traffic with the natives, Columbus set sail on his re- 
turn. He was overtaken by a storm which had nearly proved 
fatal. During the storm, Columbus hastilj' enclosed in a cake 
of wax, a short account of his voyage and discovery, which he 
put into a tight cask, and threw it into the sea. This he did^ 
hewing that if he perished, it might fall into the hands of some 
navigator, or be cast ashore, and thus the knowlf dge of his dis« 
covery be preserved to the world. But the storm abated, and 
he arrived safe in Spain, March lf)th, 1493. 

For this discovery, it being thf first, and having laid the foun> 
dation for all the subsequent discoveries in America, Cohrnibus 
was doubtless entitled to the honour of giving a name to the 
New World. But he was robbed of it by the address of Ame- 
ricus Vespucias. This adventnrer was a Floreni ine who sailed 
to the New World in 1499, with one Alonzo Ojeda, a gallant 
and active officer, who had accompanied Columbus in his first 
voyage. On his return, he published so flattering an account oi 
his voyage, that his name wa« given to the continent with mani- 
fest injustice to Columbus. 

After this, ColumI)us made several other voyages, but did not 
discover the continent of America until Aug. 1, 1498, during 
his third voyage, at which time he made the land, now called 
Terra Firma, — South America. 

During this voyage Cohnnbus was destined to experience 
severe afflictions. After his departure from Spain, having been 
appointed governor of .'he Xew World, his enemies, by false 
representations, persuaded the king to appoint another in his 
place. At the same time th^ king was induced to give orders 
that Columbus should be seized and sent to Spain. This order 
was executed with ngid severity, and the heroic Columbus 
returned to Spain in ircms ' 

On his arrival, he was set at liberty by the king, bnt he never 
recovered his authority. Soon after a fourth voyage which he 




Landing of Columbus, p. 13. 





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Indian icomen engaged in Agriculture, p. 16, 



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PERIOD I....1493M..1607....V1SCOVERIES. IS 

made, finding Isabella his patroness, dead, and himself ne- 
glected, he sunk beneath his misfortunes and infirmities^ and 
died, May 20, 1506, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. 

Section II. In May, 1497, John Cabot, and 
his son, Sebastian Cabot, commenced a voyage 
of discovery, under the patronage of Henry VII. 
king of England ; and on the 24th of June, dis- 
covered land, which, being the first they had seen, 
they called. Prima Vista. This was the Island 
of Newfoundland. Leaving this, they soon af- 
ter fell in with a smaller island, which they nam- 
ed St. Johns ; thence, continuing westerly, they 
made the first discovery* of the Continent of 
America., and ranged its coast from Labrador to 
Virginia, or according to others, to Florida. 

Section III. The French attempted no dis 
coveries on the American coast until 1524. Thi. 
year Francis I. commissioned Verrazano, a Flo- 
rentine, for this purpose. He ranged the coast 
from Florida to the 50th degree of North Lati 
tude, and named the country New France. 

Section IV. In 1584, Sir 'Walter Raleigh, un- 
der commission of Queen Elizabeth, arrived in 
America, entered Pamplico Sound, now in North 
Carolina, and thence proceeded to Roanoke, an 
island near the mouth of Albemarle Sound. 
This country he took possession of, and, on r€'- 
turning to England, gave so splendid a descrip- 
tion of its beauty and fertility, that Queen Eliza- 
beth bestowed upon it the name of Virginia^ in 
celebration of her reign, and in allusion to her 
being unmarried. 

Section V. In 1602, Capt. Bartholomew Gos- 
nold, from Falmouth, England, discovered and 
gave name to Cape Cod, 

* I here follow the authority of Dr. HoLves in his "AmencflD A&- 
nalar who places the first discovery of the Continent by ColunUiui, il 
M98, as already related. 

2 



iG PERIOD I....1492....1607....DISCOVERIES. 

chorus, out, it is believed, they had no other composltionf 
which were preserved. 

Their arts and manufactures were confined to the construc- 
tion of wigwams, bows and arrows, wamp* ra, ornaments, stone 
haichets, mortars for pounding corn, to the dressing of skins, 
weaving of coarse mats from the bark of trees, or a coarse sort 
of hemp, &c. 

Th*'u agriculture was small in extent, and the articles they 
cultivated, were few in number. Corn, beans, peas, potatoes, 
raehtaS; nnJ a few others of a similar kind, were all. 

Their skill in medicine was confined to a tew simple pre- 
scriptions and operations, both the cold and warm bath were 
often applied, and a considerable number of plants were used 
with success. For son:e diseases they knew no remedy, in 
which cose they resorted to their Powow, or priest, who under 
took the removal of the disease by means of sorcery. 

!t may Be rem'.fked, however, that the diseases to which the 
Indians were liab'e, were few, compai-ed with those which pre 
vail in civilized society. 

The empioi/ments of the men were principally hunting, fish- 
ing, and trAir, The vHimen dressed the food ; took charge of 
the domesuc concerns; tilled their narrow and scanty fields ; 
and performed almost all the drudgery connected with their 
huii;-iehold affairs. 

The nun/jiements of the men were principally leaping, shoot- 
ing at marks, dancing, gaming, and hunting, in all of which 
they made the most violent exertions. Their dances were 
usually performed round a large fire. In their war dances they 
sung, or recited the feats which they or their ancestors had 
achieved ; represmted the manner in which they were per- 
formed, and wrought tliemselves up to an inexpressible degree 
of martial enthusiasm. The females occasionally joined in 
some of these sports, ' ut had none peculiar to themselves. 

Their dress was vaiiou&. In summer, they wore little be- 
sides a covering about the waist ; but in winter, they clothed 
themselves in tlie skins of wild beasts. They were exceedingly 
fond of ornaments. On days of show and festivity, their 
sachems wore mantles of deer-skin, embroidered with white 
beads, or copper, or they were painted with various devices. 
Hideousness was the object aimed at in painting themselves. 
A chain of fish-bones about the neck, or the skin of a wildcat, 
was a sign ot royalty. 

For habitations, the Indians had weektoams, or wigwams as 
pronounc*;d by the EJiiglish. These originally consisted of a 
strong pole, erected in the centre, around which, at the distance 
©f ten or twelve feet, other poles were driven obliquely into the 



PERIOD X....1492....1607....DISCOVERIE8. 17 

g;roundy and fastened to the centre pole at the top. Their 
coverings were of mats, or barks of trees, so well adjusted as to 
render them dry and comfortable. 

Their domestic utensils extended not beyond a hatchet of 
stone, a few shells and sharp stones, which the) osed for 
knives ; stone mortars for pounding corn, and some mats and 
skins upon which they slept. They sat, and ate, and lodged on 
the ground. With shells and stones they scalped their enemies, 
dressed their game, cut their hair, &c. They made nets oJ 
thread, twisted from the bark of Indian hemp, or of the sinews 
of the moose and deer. For fish-hooks they used bones which 
were bent. 

Their ybod was of the coarsest and simplest kind — the fleshy 
and even the entrails of all kinds of wild beasts and birds ; and 
in their proper season, green corn, beans, peas, &c. &c. which 
they cultivated, and other fruits, which the country sponta- 
neously produced. Flesh and fish they roasted on a stick, or 
broiled on the fire. In some instances they boiled their meat 
and corn by putting hot stones in water. Corn they parched, 
especially in the winter, and upon this they lived in the absence 
of other food. 

The money of the Indians called wampum, consisted of 
small beads wrought from shells, and strung on belts, and in 
chains. The wampum of the New-England Indians was black, 
blue, and white. That of the Six Nations was of a purple 
colour. Six of the white beads, and three of black, or blue, 
became of the value of a penny. A belt of wampum was 
given as a token of friendship, or as a seal or confirmation of a 
treaty. 

There was little among them that could be called society. 
Except when roused by some strong excitement, the men were 
generally indolent, taciturn, and unsocial. The women were 
too degraded and oppressed to think of much besides their 
toils. Removing too, as the seasons changed, or as the game 
grew scarce, or as danger from a stronger tribe threatened, 
there was little opportunity for forming those local attachments, 
and those social ties, which spring from a long residence in a 
^larticular spot. Their language, also, though energetic, was too 
barren to serve the purposes of familiar conversation. In order 
to be understood and felt, it required the aid of strong and ani- 
mated gesticulation, which could take place only when great 
occasions excited them. It seems, therefore, that they drew no 
considerable part of their enjoyments from intercourse with one 
another. Female beauty had little power over the men ; and 
all other pleasures gave way to the strong impulses of public 
festivity, or burning captives, or seeking murderous revengCi ai 
the chase, or war, or glory, 

2« 



IS PERIOD I....1492....1607....DISCOVEEi£S. 

War was the favourite employment of the savages oi Nortii 
America. It roiisea them from the lethargy into which ihey 
fell, when they ceased from the chase, and furnished them JUi 
opportunity to distinguish themselves — to achieve deeds of 
glory, and taste the sweets of revenge. Their weapons were 
bows and arrows, headed with flint or other hard stones, which 
they discharged with great precision and force. The southern 
Indians used targets made of bark ; the Mohawks clothed them* 
selves with skins, as a defence against the arrows of their ene- 
mies. When they fought in the open field, they rushed to the 
attack with incredible fury, and, at the same time, uttered their 
appalling war whoop. Those whom they had taken captive 
they often tortured, with every variety of cruelty, and to their 
dying agonies added every species of insult. If peace was 
concluded on, the chiefs of the hostile tribes ratified the treaty 
by smoking in succession the same pipe, called the calumet^ or 
pipe of peace. 

The government of tlie Indians in general, was an absolute 
monarchy ; though it differed in different tribes. The will of 
the sachem was law. In matters of moment, he consulted, how- 
ever, his counsellors; but his decisions were final. War and 
peace, among some tribes, seem to have been determined on in a 
council formed of old mm, distinguished by their exploits. When 
in council, they spoke at pleasure, and always hstened to the 
speaker, with profound and respectful silence. " When proposi- 
tions for war or peace were made, or treaties proposed to them, by 
the colonial governours, they met the ambassadors in council, 
and at the end of each paragraph, or proposition, the principal 
sachem delivered a short stick to one of his council, intimating 
tliat it was his peculiar duty to remember that paragi'aph. This 
was repeated till every proposal was finished ; they then retired 
to deliberate among themselves. After their deliberations 
were ended, the sachem, or some coiuisellors to whom he had 
delegated this office, replied to every paragraph in hs turn, with 
,m exactness scarcely exceeded in the written correspondence 
of civilized powers. Each man actually remembered what was 
i'ommittcd to him, and with his assistance, the person who re- 
plied rememJkered the whole." 

The religious notions of the natives consisted of traditions., 
mingled with many superstitions. Like the ancient Greeks, 
Romans, Persians, Hindoos, &c. they believed in the existence 
of two gods, the one good, who was the superior, and whom 
they styled the Great, or Good Spirit ; the other evil. They 
worshipped both ; and of both formed images of stone, to which 
hey paid leligious homage. Besides these, they worshipped 
jous other deitJi^s — such as fire, water, thimder— any thing 



PERIOD I....1492....1607....DISCOyERIES. 19 

which they conceived to be superior to themselves, and capable 
of doing them injury. The mannei of worship was to sing and 
dance round large fires. Besides dancing, they offered prayers 
and sometimes sweet scented powder. In Virginia, the Indians 
offered blood, deer's suet, and tobacco. Of the creation and the 
deluge they had distinct traditions. 

Marriage among them was generally a temporary contract. 
The men chose their wives agreeable to fancy, and put them 
away at pleasure. Marriage was celebrated, however, with 
some ceremony, and in many instances was observed with fi- 
delity, not unfrequently it was as lasting as life. Polygamy was 
common among them. 

Their treatment of females was cruel and oppressive. They 
were considered by the men as slaves, and treated as such. 
Those forms of decorum between the sexes, which lay the foun 
dation for the respectful and gallant courtesy, with which women 
are treated in civilized society, were unknown among them. Of 
course, females were not only required to perform severe labour, 
but often felt the full weight of the passions and caprices of the 
men. 

The rites of burial among the Indians, varied but little 
throughout the continent. They generally dug holes in the 
ground, with sharpened stakes. In the bottom of the grave 
were laid sticks, upon which the corpse, wrapped in skins and 
mats, was deposited. The arras, utensils, paints, and ornaments 
of the deceased were buried with him, and a mound of earth 
raised over his grave. Among some tribes m New England, 
and among the Five Nations, the dead were buried in a sitting 
posture, with their faces towards the east. During the burial 
they Httered the most lamentable cries, and continued their 
mourning for several days. 

The origin of the Indians, inhabiting the country, on the ar- 
I'ivai of the English colonists, is involved in much obscurity, and 
several different answers have been given by learned men to the 
inquiry, whence did they come to America ? The opinion best 
supported is, that they originated in i\.sia, and that at some form- 
er period, not now to be ascertained, they emigrated from that 
country to America, over which, in succeeding yeai*, their de- 
scendants spread. This opinion is rendered the more probable 
by the fact, that the figure, complexion, dress, manners, cus- 
toms. &c. &c. of the nations of both continents are strikingly si- 
milar. That they might have emigrated from the eastern conti- 
nent is evident, since the distance between the East Cape of Asia, 
and Cape Prince of Wales in America, across the streights of 
Bherlngj is only about forty miles, a much shorter distance than 



AQ PERIOD I....1492....1607....DISCOyERIES. 

•avages frequently sail in their caiioes. Besides this, the strcight 
M sometimes frozen over. 

VIII. We shall find it pleasant and profitable, occasionally 
,o pause in our history, and consider what instruction may be 
dr^iwn from the portion of it that has been perused. 

In the story of Columbus, we aie introduced to a man of ge- 
nius, energy, and enterprise. We see him forming a new, and 
in that age, a mighty project ; and having matured his plan, we 
see him set himself vigorously about its execution. For a time, 
he is either treated as a visionary, or baflied by opposition. 
But, neither discouraged, nor dejected, he steadily pursues his 
purpose, surmounts every obstacie, and at length spreads his 
sails upon the unknown waters of the Atlantic. A kind Pro- 
vidence auspiciously guides his wa^, and crowns his enterprise 
with the unexpected discovery of a new world. 

While we admire the lofty qualities of Columbus, and look 
with wonder at the consequences which have resulted from his 
discovery, let us emulate his decision, energy and perseverance 
Many are the occasions in the present world, on which it will be 
important to summon these to our aid ; and by their means, ma- 
ny useful objects may be accomplished, which, without them, 
would be unattained. 

But, while we thus press forward in the career of usefulness 
— while we aim to accomplish for our fellow men all the amount 
of good in our power, let us moderate our expectations of re- 
ward here, by the consideration that Columbus died the victim 
of ingratitude and disappointment. 

Another consideration, of still deeper interest, is suggested by 
tlie story of Columbus, In his first voj'age, he contemplated 
chiefly the discovery of a passage to India. We who live to 
mark the wonderful events which have flowed from his discove- 
ry', within the short space of three centuries, cannot but advert 
with awe to Him, who attaches to the actions of a single indi- 
vidual, a train of consequences so stupendous and unexpected. 
How lightly soever, then, we may think of our conduct, let us 
remember that the invisible hand of Providence may be coimect- 
ing with our smallest actions the most momentous results, to our- 
selves and others. 

With respect to Americus Vespucius, it may be observed, 
that although he deprived Columbus, of the merited honour of 
fziving his name to the new world, and gained this distinction for 
himself — still, his name will ever remain stigmatized as having 
appropriated that to himself, which fairly belonged to another. 



UNITED STATES. 

DISTINGUISHES FOK SETTliEMENTS. 

Extending from the first permanent English 
settlement at Jamestoicn. Virginia j 1607, to 
the accession of William and Mary to the 
throne of England^ 1689. 

Section I. Prior t> the year 1607, a period of 
one hundred and fifteei> yparsfrom the discovery 
of San Salvador, by Columbus , attempts had 
been made to etiect settlements in various parts 
of North America ; bui no one proved success- 
ful, until the settlement at Jamestown. 

In 1606, King lames I. of 1 ngland, granted 
letters patent, — an exclusive right, or privilege,— 
to two companies, called the London and Ply- 
mouth Companies : by which they were author- 
ized to possess ihe lands, in America, lying be- 
tween the 34th and 45th degrees of north lati- 
tude ; the southern part, called South Virginia, 
to the London, and the northern, called North 
Virginia, to the Plymouth Company. 

Under this patent, the London Company sent 
Capt. Christopher Newport to Virginia, Dec. 
20th, 1606, with a colony of one hundred and five 
persons, to commence a settlement on the island 
Roanoke, — now in North Carolina. — After a te- 
dious voyage of four months, by the circuitous 
route of the West Indies, he entered Chesapeake 
Bay, having been driven north of the place of 
his destination. 



22 PERIOD II....1492....1607....SETTLEMENTS. 

Here it was coHcluded to land , and, proceed- 
ing up a river, called by the Indians, Powhatan, 
but, by the colony, James River, on a beaatiful 
peninsiila, in May, 1607, ihey began the first 
permanent settlement in North America, and 
called it Jamestoicn. 

The government of this colony was Formed 
in England, by the London Company. It «.'.on- 
sisted of a council of seven persons, appointed 
by the Company, with a president chosen by the 
council, from their number, who had two votes. 
All matters of moment were examined by this 
council, and determined by a majority. Capt. 
Newport brought over the names of this council, 
carefully sealed in a box, which was opened 
after their arrival. 

Among the most enterprising and useful members of this 
colony and one of its magistrates, was Capt. John Smith. As 
he acted a distinguished part in the early history of the colony 
of Virginia, a brief sketch of his lif*" will be mteresting. 

He was born in Willoughby, in Lincolnshire, England, in 
1579- From his earliest youth, he discovered a roving -ind ro- 
mantic genius, and appeared irresistibly bent on -extravagant 
and daring enterprises. At the age of thirteen, becoming tired 
of study, he disposed of his satchel and books, with the inten* 
tion of escapijig to sea. But the death of his father, just at that 
time, frustrated his plans for the present, and threw him upou 
guardians, who, to repress the waywardness of his penius, con- 
fined him to a counting room. From a confinement so irk-, 
some, however, he contrived to escape not long after, and, with 
ten shillings in his pocket, » ntered the train of a young noble* 
man, travelling to France. 

On their arrival at Orleans, he received a discharge from fur- 
ther attendance upon lord Bertie, who advanced him money to 
return to England. 

Smith had no wish, however, to return. With the money he 
had received, he visited Paris, fi-om which he proceeded to the 
low countries, where he enlisted into the service as a soldier. 
Having continued some time in this capacity, he was induced 
to accompany a gentleman to Scotland, who promised to recom- 
mend him to the notice of king James. Being disappointed 



PERIOD II....1492....160r...SETTLEMENTS. 2» 

liowever in tnis, tie returned to England, and visited the place 
of his birth. Not finding the company there that suited his ro- 
mantic mm, he erected a booth in some wood, and m the man- 
ner of a recluse, retired from society, devoting himself to the 
study of military history and tactics, diverting himself, at inter- 
vals, «dth his horse and tance. 

Recovering about this time a part of his lather's estate, which 
had been in dispute, in 1596, he again commenced his travels, 
being then only seventeen years of age. His first stage was 
Flanders, where meeting 'vith a Frenchman, who pretended to 
be heir to a noble family, he was prevailed upon to accompany 
him to France. On their arrival at St. Valo^^,, in Picardy, by 
the connivance of the shipmaster, the Frenchman and attend- 
ants robbed him of his effects, and succeeded in making their 
escape. 

Eager to pursue his travels, he endeavoured to procure a 
place on board a man of war. In one of his rambles, search- 
ing for a ship that would receive him, he accidenlly met one of 
the villains concerned in robbing him. Without exchanging a 
word, they both instantly dr»'w their swords. The contest was 
severe, but Smith succeeded in wounding and disarming his an- 
tagonist, and obliged him to confess his guilt. After this ren- 
counter, havmg received pecuniary assistance from an acquaint- 
ance, the earl of Ployer, he travelled along the French coast to 
Bayonne, and thence crossed to Marseilles, visiting and cbserv- 
uig every thing in his course, which had reference to naval or 
mUitary architeciure. 

At Marseilles he embarked for Italy in company with a num- 
ber of pilgrims. But here also new troubles awaited him. 
During the voyage, a tempest arising, the ship was forced into 
Toulon, after leaving which, contrary winds so impeded their 
progress, that in a fit of rage, the pilgrims, imputing their il) 
fortune to the presence of a heretic, threw him into the sea 

Being a good swimmer, he was 3nabled to reach the island 
of St. Mary, off Nice, at no great distance, where he was taken 
on board a ship, in which, altering his course, he sailed 
to Alexandi'ia, in Egypt, and fbence coasted the Levant 
Having spent some time m this legion of countiy, he sailed on 
his retiurn, and on leaving the ship received about two thousand 
dollars, as his portion of a rich prize, which they had taken dur- 
oig the voyage. 
/ Smith landed at Antibes. He now travelled through Italy, 
crossed the Adriatic, and passed into Stirria, to the seat of 
Ferdinand archduke of Austria. The emperor being at that 
tune at war with the Turks, he entered his army as a toIuu- 
teer 



24 PERIOD II....1492....1607....SETTLEMENTS. 

By means c) liis valour and ingenuity, aided by his military 
knowledge and experience, he soon distinguished himself, and 
was advanced to the command of a company, consisting of two 
hundred and fifty horsemen, in the regiment of count Meldrick, 
a nobleman of Transylvania. 

Th? regiment in which he served was engaged in several ha- 
zardous enterprises, in which Smith exhibited a bravery admired 
by all the army, and when Meldrick left the imperial service for 
that of his native prince. Smith followed. 

At the siege of Regal he was destined to new adventures. 
The Ott-aians deriding the slow advance of the Transylvania 
army, the lord Turbisha despatched a messenger with a chal- 
lenge, that for the diversion of »the ladies of the place, he would 
fight any captain of the christian troops. 

The honour of accepting this challenge was determined b}f 
ot, and fell on Smith. At the time appointed the two cham 
pions appeared in the field on horseback, and in the presence o( 
the armies, and of the ladies of the insulting Ottoman, rushed 
impetuously to the attack. A short, but desperate conflict en- 
sued, at the end of which Smith was seen bearing the head of 
the lifeless Turbisha in triumph to his general. 

The fall of the chief filled his friend Crualgo with indignation, 
and roused him to avenge his death. Smith accordingly soon 
after received a challenge from him, which he did not hesitate 
to accept, and the two exasperated combatants, upon their 
chargers, fell with desperate fury upon each other. Victory 
again followed the faulchion of Smith, who sent the Turk head- 
long to the ground. 

It was now the turn of Smith to make the advance. He de- 
spatched a message therefore to tlve Turkish ladies, that if they 
were desirous of more diversion of a similar kind, they should 
be welcome to his head, in case their third champion could 
take it. 

Bonamalgro tendered his services, and haughtily accepted the 
Christian's challenge. When the day arrived the spectators as- 
sembled, and the combatants entered the field. It v/as an hour 
of deep anxiety to all ; as the horsemen approached, a deathless 
silence pervaded the multitude. A blow from the sabre of the 
Turk brought Smith to the ground, and for a moment it seemed 
as if the deed of death was done. Smith however was onlv 
stunned. He rose like a lion, when he shakes the dew from his 
mane for the fight, and vaulting into his saddle, made his faul- 
chion " shed fast atonement for its first delay." It is hardly 
necessary to add, that the head of Bonamalgro was added to the 
number. 
Smith was received with transports of joy by the prince of 




Indian Village, p. 16, 




Indian Amusements, p. 16. 



PERIOD II....1492....1607....SETTLEMENTS. 



29 



Transylvania^ who after the capture of the place, presented him 
with his picture set in gold, granted him a pension of three hun- 
dred ducats a year, and conferred on him a coat of arms, bear- 
ing three Turk's heads in a shield. 

In a subsequent battle between the Transylvanian army, and 
a body of Turks and Tartars, the former was defeated, with a 
loss of many killed and wounded. Among the wounded was 
the gallant Smith. His dress bespoke his consequence, and he 
was treated kindly. On his recovery from his wounds he was 
sold to the Basha Bogul, who sent him as a present to his mis- 
tress at Constantinople, assuring her that he was a Bohemian 
nobleman, whom he had conquered, and whom he now present 
ed to her as her slave. 

The present proved more acceptable to the lady than her lord 
intended. As she understood Italian, in that language Smith 
informed her of his country and quality, and by his singular ad- 
di'ess, and engaging manners, won the affection of her heart. 

Designing to secure him to herself, but fearing lest some mis- 
fortune should befall liim, she sent him to her brother, a bashaw, 
on the borders of the sea of Asoph, with a direction that he 
should be initiated into the manners and language, as well as 
the religion of the Tartars. 

From the terms of her letter, her brother suspected her de- 
sign, and resolved to disappoint her. Immediately after Smith's 
arrival, therefore, he ordered him to be stripped, his head and 
beard to be shaven, and with an iron collar about his neck, and 
a dress of hair cloth, he was driven forth to labour among some 
christian slaves. 

The circumstances of Smith were now peculiarly afflicting. 
He could indulge no hope, except from the attachment of his 
mistress, but as her distance was great, it was improbable that 
she would soon become acquainted with the story of his misfor- 
tunes. 

In the midst of his distress, an opportunity to escape present- 
ed itself, but under circumstances, which, to a person of a less 
adventurous spirit, would have served only to heighten this dis- 
tress. His employment was threshing, at the distance of a league 
from the residence of the bashaw, who daily visited him, but 
treated him with rigorous severity, and in fits of anger even 
abused him with blows. This last was treatment to which the 
independent spirit of Smith could not submit. Watching a fa- 
vourable opportunity, on an occasion of the tyrant's visit, and 
when his attendants were absent, he levelled his threshing in- 
strument at him, and laid him in the dust. 

He then hastily filled a bag with grain, and mounting tlie 
bashaw's horse, put himself upon fortune. Directing his course 

3 



{|e PERIOD II....1607...1689....SETTLEMENT3 

towards a desen, he entered its recesses, and continuing to con- 
ceal himself in its obscurities for several days, at length made his 
escape. In sixteen days he arrivea at Exapolis on the river 
Don, where meeting with the Russian garrison, the commander 
treated Itim kindly, and gave him letters of recommendation to 
other commanders in that region. 

B« now travelled through a part of Russia, and Poland, and 
at le igth reached his friends in Transylvania, At Leipsic he 
enjoyed the pleasure of meeting his colonel count Meldrick, and 
Sigi.»mund, prince of Transylvania, who presented him wrth 
fifte«=n hundred ducats His fortune being thus in a measure re- 
paired, he travelled through Germany, France ana Spain, and 
having visited the kingdom of Morocco, returned once more to 
England. 

Such is a rapid view of the life of this interesting adventurer, 
down to his arrival in his nativo land. At this time the settle- 
ment of America was occupying the attention of many distin- 
guished men in England. The life of Smith, united to his fond- 
ness for enterprises of danger and difficulty, had prepared him 
to embark with zeal in a project so novel and sublime as that 
of exploring the wilds of a newly discovered continent. 

He was soon attacned to the expedition, about to sail undei 
Newport, and was apponited ont of the magistrates of the colo- 
ny sent over at that time. Before the arrival of the colony, his 
colleagues in office becoming jealous of his influence, arrested 
him, on the aosm-d charge that he designed to murder the coun- 
cil, "isurp the government, and make himself king of Virginia. 
He was therefore rigorously confined during the remainder of the 
voyage. 

On their arrival in the country he was liberated, but could 
not obtain a trial, although m the tone of conscious integrity, 
he repeatedly demanded it- The infant colony was soon in- 
volved in perplexity and danger Notwithstanding Smith had 
been calumniated, and his honour deeply wounded, his was not 
♦he spirit to '•emain idle when his servicer were needed. Nobly 
disdaining revenge, he offered his assistance;, and by his talents, 
experience, and indefatigable zeal, furnished important aid to 
the infant colony. 

Continuing to assert his innocence, and to demand a trial, 

the time at length arrived when his enemies could postpone it 

no longer. After a fair hearing of the case, he Wcis honourably 

'acquitted of the charges alleged against him, and soon after took 

his seat in the council. 

The affairs of the colony becoming more settled, the activ« 
spirit of Smith prompted him to explore the neighbouring coim- 
My . In an attempt to ascertain the source of Cliickahoming ri- 



PERIOD IL....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. tT 

ver, he ascended in a barge as far as the stream was uninterrupt- 
ed. Designing to proceed still further, he left the barge in the 
keeping of the crew, with strict injunctions on no account to leave 
her, and with two Englishmen, and two Indians left the party. 
But no sooner was he out of view, than the crew, impatient of 
restramt, repaired on board Uie barge, and proceeding some dis- 
tance down the stream, landed at a place where a body of In- 
dians lay m ambush, by whom they were seized. 

, by means of the crew, the rout of Smith was ascertained, and 
a party of Indians were immediately despatched to take him. On 
commg up with hmi, the> fired, killed the Englishmen, and 
wounded himself. With great piesence ol mind, he now tied his 
(ndjan guide to his left arm. as a shield Irom the enemie.s' ar- 
rows, 5rhile with his musket he despatched three of the most for- 
irard of the assailants 

In this, manner he continueo to letreat towards his canoe, 
while 'lie Indians, struck with admiration of his bravery follow- 
ed .'ith espectful cautioii Unfortunately coming to a sunken 
spot tihed with mire, while engrossed with eyeing his pursuers, 
he sunk so deep as to be imable to extricate himself, and was 
forcea to surrender. 

Fruitful in t^xpedients. lo avert immediate death, he presented 
an ivorv 'ompas.^ to the chief, whose attention was arrested by 
the vibralionr. of the n^'edle Taking advantage of the iinpres- 
8ion whicn he had thas made, partly by signs, and pairtly by 
language, he excitec theii wonder still more by telling them of 
Its singular powers 

Their wonde. however seemed soon to abate, and their atten- 
tion returned to theii prisoner He was now boimJ, and tied to 
a tree and the savages were preparing to direct their arrows at 
his bi'^ast At thi.- instant the chief, holding up the compass, 
the> iaid down thei- arms, and led him in triumph to Powhatan 

theii king 

P.>whatap and his council doomed him to death, as a man 
whose courage and genius were peculiarly dangerous to the In- 
dians Preparations were accordingly made, and when the time 
arrived. Smith was led out to execution. His head was laid up • 
on a stone, and a club present.^d to Powhatan, who himseL 
claimed the honour of becoming the executioner. The savages 
in nience were circlins^ round, and the giant arm of Powhataa 
hau already raised the club to strike the fatal blow, when to ais 
astonishment the young and beautiful Pocahontas, his daughter, 
with a shriek of terror, rushed from the throng, and threw her- 
self upon the body of Smith. At the same time she cast an im- 
ploring look towuids her furious but astonished father, and m 



28 PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

all the eloquence of mute, but impassioned sorrow, besought his 

life. 

The remainder of the scene was honourable to Powhatan. 
The club of the chief was still uplifted, but a father's pity had 
touched his heart, and the eye that had at (first kindled with 
wiath was now fast losing its fierceness. He looked round as 
if to collect his fortitude, or perhaps to find an excuse for his 
weakness, in the pity of the attendants. A similar sympathy 
had melted the savage throng, and seemed to join iti the petiticyi, 
(Which the weeping Pocahontas felt, but durst not utter, '• My 
father let the prisoner live." Powhatan raised his daughter, 
and the captive, scarcely yet assured of safety, from the earth. 

Shortly after Powhatan dismissed Capt. Smith with assur- 
ances of friendship, and the next morning, accompanied with a 
gu'trd of twelve men, he arrived safely at Jamestown, alter a 
captivity of seven weeks.* 

In 1609, circumstances having arisen to interrupt the triendly 
dispositions of Powhatan towards the colony, he plotted theii 
entire destruction. His design was to attack them unapprised} 
and to cut them off at a blow. 

In a dark and stormy night, the heroic Pocahontas hastened 
alone to Jamestown, and disclosed the inhuman plot of her fa- 
ther. The colony were thus put on their guard, and their ruin 
averted. 

It may be interesting to add concerning Pocahontas, that some 
time after this she was married to an English gentleman, by the 
name of Rolfe, with whom she visited England. She embraced 
the Christian religion, and was baptized by the name of Rebecca. 
She left. one son, who had several daughters, the descendants oi 
whom inherited her lands in Virginia, and are among the most 
respectable families in that State. 

Section IT. In the early part of this year, 
1609, the London Company surrendered their 
rights to the king, and obtained a new charter. 
Under this charter Thomas West. Lord Dela- 
ware, was appointed governour for life. 

Towards the close of the year, the colony at Jamestown, 
amounting to five hundred inhabitants, was reduced in six 
mtmths, by pestilence, to sixty. Disheartened by this fearful ca- 
lamity, they resolved to leave the country, and return to England. 
They therefore embarked on board some vessels, just arrived 
from Bermuda ; but meeting lord Delaware, the new governour, 



* Bark's Virfniiia. 



PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 



2D 



with one hundred and eighty men and provisions, they returned 
with them to their settlement, and the affairs of the colony again 
began to prosper. 

Section III. In 1614, some Dutch adventur- 
ers built a fort at Albany, on Hudson's river. 
This commenced the settlement, and laid the 
foundation of that city. The next year, a fort 
was built, and a settlement begun, by the Dutch, 
on the Island of Manliattan, now New- York. 

Hudson's river derived its name from Henry Hudson, who 
entered, and gave name to it, lC08. At this time, or according 
to others, in l609, he ascended the river to the place were Al- 
bany now stands. Hudson was in the service of the Dutch 
East India Company, or sold his claims to them. The Dutch, 
accordingly, took possession of the country, naming it New Ne*- 
therlands. New- York, they called New-Amsterdam. These 
names they retained, till the conquest of the country, by the 
English, in lGG4. 

Section IV, In 1614, Capt. John Smith sailed 
from England, with two ships, to America. He 
ranged the coast from- Penobscct to Cape Cod. 
On his return to England, he presented a Map 
of the country to Prince Charles, who named it 
New-England. 

Six years from this, Dec. 22, 1620, a colony, 
commonly known by the name of Puritans, land- 
ed at Plymouth, in Massachusetts, and soon after 
began the Jirst permanent settlement in New- 
England. These colonists were originally from 
England ; but were driven thence by the arm of 
persecution, for urging a more thorough reform- 
ation in the Church of England. 

They fled from England, first to Amsterdam, 
in Holland, in 1607, with their pastor, the Rev. 
Mr. Robinson. From Amsterdam, they soon af- 
ter removed to Leyden, where they continued, 
until they embarked for America. 

Among the motives which influenced them to 
remove to America, tlie prospect of enjoying " ft 



50 PERIOD II....1C07....16S9. ..SETTLEMENTS. 

purer worship and a greater liberty of conscience," 
was the principal. To secure these objects, they 
were willing to become exiles from a civilized 
country, and encounter the dangers and priva- 
tions which might meet them in a wilderness. 

Having resolved on a removal to America, they concluded 
to settle on Hudson's river, and to live in a distinct body,undei 
the protection of the London, or South Virginia Company. 

Having with some difficulty obtained a grant from the Virgi- 
nia Company, they speedily prepared for the voyage, departed 
from Ley den in July, touched at South-Hampton, England, 
whence they sailed in August ; but on account of a leak in one 
of their ships, they were twice compelled to put back. 

On the sixth of September following, they finally bid adieu to 
their countr}', and on the ninth of November, discovered Cape 
Cod. It is said, that the master of the vessel was a Dutchman, 
and was bribed in Holland, to carry them to the north of tiie 
Hudson, that they migiit not disturb the Dutch there ; who, 
though compelled in I6l4, by Capt. Argal from Jamestown, to 
acknowledge the Sovereignty of King James, and the governour 
of Virginia, had not long after thrown off the British yoke. 

They soon percei*ed themselves to be beyond the limits o^ 
the company's patent, from which they had derived their title. 
But, winter being at hand, and fearing to encounter the dangers 
of the sea, on an unknown coast, they determined to seek a place 
of settlement where they were. 

Before landing, " having devoutly given thanks to God for 
{heir safe arrival, they formed themselves into a body politick," 
forty-one signing a solemn contract, according to the piovisions 
of which they were to be governed. Mr. John Carver was 
elected governour for one year. 

Parties were now despatched to fix upon a spot for their settle- 
ment. Several days were employed for this purpose, during 
which, a number of Indians were seen, who fled on being ap- 
proached. They also discovered baskets of corn hid in the 
sand, which served for seed the ensuing spring. 

At length, a suitable spot Avas selected for a settlement, and a 
house immediately ereoti^^d. The colony was divided into nine- 
teen families, each of whicli built its own cottage. On Lord's 
day, Dec. 3 1 , they attended public worship, for the first time 
on shore, and named the place Plymouth. 

Section V. The same month, (Nov.) that the 
Puritans arrived on the coast from England, King 
James I. issued a patent to the duke of Lenox, 



PERIOD II ie07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. S^ 

Fcrdinando Gorges, and others, styling them, 
«* The Council of Plymouth, in the county of De- 
von, for planting and governing New-England 
in America." This Patent granted to them the 
territory between the 40th and 48th degrees of 
north latitude, and was the foundation of all the 
subsequent patents which divided the country. 

Section VI. In March, 1621 , the colony of Ply- 
mouth, through Governour Carver, entered into 
a league of friendship, commerce, and mutual de- 
fence with Masassoit, the great sachem of the 
neighbouring Indians. This treaty which was 
strictly observed until the breaking out of Phillip's 
war, (a period of more than fifty years,) gave 
general peace to the colony, and laid the founda- 
tion for their intimate and amicable correspond- 
ence with the neighbouring Indian tribes. 

The person, chiefly instrumental in bringing this event to pass 
was Samoset, a sagamore of the country, laying at the distance 
of about five days journey. He was the first visitant of the co- 
lony at Plymouth, and greatly surprised the inhabitants, by call- 
ing out as he entered their village, " Welcome Englishmen ! 
Welcome Englishmen !" He had conversed with the English 
fishermen who had come to the eastern coast, and had learned 
some of the language. He informed the colony that the place 
where they were settled, was called by the Indians Patuxet; 
that five years before a plague had swept off* all the natives from 
the place, so that there was neither man, woman, or child re- 
maining. Providence had thus singularly prepared the way 
for the colonies to take possession of the land, without molesting 
a single owner. 

Samoset, having been treated with hospitality by these stran- 
gers, was disposed to cultivate a further acquaintance with them ; 
and on his third visit was accompanied by Squanto, a native of 
the country, who had been carried away in l6i4, by one Hunt, 
and sold into Spain, hut had been taken to London, whence he 
had returned to America. 

They informed the English that Masassoit, the greatest sa- 
cliem of the neighbourhig Indians was near with a guard of sixty 
men. Mutual distiust prevented for some time, any advances 
from either side. But Squanto, who was at length sent to Ma- 
sassoit, returned, saying that the sachem wished the English to 



82 PERIOD U....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

send some one to confer with him. Mr. Edward Winslow w»" 
accordingly sent, bearing suitable presents to the chief. These 
proving acceptable, Masassoit left Mr. Winslow in the custody 
of his men as a hostage, and ventured to the English, by whom 
he was hospitably entertained, and with whom he concluded the 
treaty already noticed. 

Section VII. In 1619, a governour general 
of the Virginia Colony arrived from England, 
with instructions to convoke a colonial legisla- 
ture. To this assembly, eleven corporations, 
or towns, sent representatives, who sat with the 
governour and council, appointed by the Com- 
pany. This was the first legislature to which the 
people of America sent representatives. 

In 1621 the London Company established a 
constitution and form of government for the co- 
lony. The powers of this government were 
vested in a governour and two councils. One 
of these was called the council ot state, to ad- 
vise and assist the governour. This council 
was to be appointed and removed by the com- 
pany. The other was called the general assem- 
bly, consisting of the council of state, and two 
burgesses, or representatives, deputed from 
each town, hundred, or plantation. This assem- 
bly met annually, and were entrusted with the 
business of framing laws for the colony, the go- 
vernour having a negative upon their proceedings. 
No laws were valid until ratified by a court ol 
the company in England. 

In 1622, the Virginia Colony, which for some 
time had enjoyed great ^prosperity, and had re- 
ceived frequent accessions, experienced a stroke 
which nearly proved fatal. The successor of 
Powhatan,, who was of a proud, revengeful spirit, 
and extremely hostile to the colony, concerted a 
plan to cut them off at a blow. On the 22d of 
Marcli, it was so far put in execution, that three 



PERIOD n....l607....1G89....SETTLEMENTS. SS \ 

hundred and forty-seven of the colony, men, 
women and children, were butchered almost in 
the same instant. 

A war of extermination soon succeeded, 
which not long after was followed by a famine. 
The losses of the colony, however, which these 
calamities had brought upon them, were soon in 
a measure repaired, by the arrival of new adven- 
turers. 

Section VIII. While the Virginians were 
mourning their losses, the Plymouth colony be- 
gan to experience the distresses of famine. By 
the time their planting was finished in 1623, 
their provisions were so far exhausted, that they 
had neither bread, nor corn for three or four 
months. A drought continued from May, until 
some time in July. Under these afflictions, 
however, they appointed a day of fasting and 
prayer, to humble themselves, and to seek unto 
God. Notwithstanding their many fears, a 
plentiful harvest followed, which was suitably 
noticprJ by a day of thanksgiving and praise. 

Section IX. This year, 1623, a number of 
persons from England arrived in the river Pis- ' 
cataqua, and began two settlements ; one at the 
mouth, at a place called Little Harbour, the other 
at a place now called Dover. — These were the 
first settlements in New-Hampshire. 

Section X. In 1624, the London Company, 
which had settled Virginia, was dissolved by an 
act of king James I. under pretext of the calami- 
ties which had befallen the colony, and the dis- 
sensions which had agitated the company. 
Their charter was taken away, and the govern- 
ment of the colony assumed by the crown. 
The king himself appointed the governour, in 



34 PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

whom, with twelve counsellors, the powers of 
government were vested. 

The London Company, thus dissolved, consisted of gentlemen 
of noble and disinterested views, who had expended more thaa 
one hundred thousand pounds of their fortunes, in this first at 
tempt to plant an English colony in America ; and more than 
nine thousand persons had been sent from the mother coimtry 
to people this new settlement. At the time of the dissolution of 
the company scarcely two thousand persons survived. 

Charles I. succeeding James I. in 1625, brought 
the Virginia Colony more immediately under the 
direction of the crown. Un(ier this administra- 
tion, the colony suti'ered much for many years, 
from the severe and arbitrary restraints im[)osed 
upon it by the king, through the governour and 
council. 

Sectio7i XI. It has been stated, that the 
lands, upon which the Plymouth colony settled, 
were granted by the crown to "the Council of 
Plymouth," in England, in JNovember, 1620. 
This was the same month that the Puritanw had 
arrived in the country. Being apprized of this 
grant, the colony, in 1626, began to take mea- 
sures to purchase these lands. The negotiations 
for this purpose ended the next year in a patent, 
which the company granted them for one thou- 
sand eight hundred pounds sterling, with ample 
powers of government. 

The government t>t the colony was at first formed and con 
ducted according to a voluntary compact, entered into before 
landing. Till the year 1624, it consisted of a governour and 
one assistant only. From this period five were annually chosen, 
the governour having a double vote. Th» number of assistants 
was afterwards increased to seven. — The laws of the colony were 
enacted, and the affairs of government conducted, by these offi- 
cers for neai' twenty years. In 1 639, the towns in this colony, 
for the first time, sent deputies. The colony continued distinct 
near seventy years, until l6i)l, when, by charter of William and 
Mary, it was united to the colony of Massachusetts, and the 
Provmce of Maine. 



PERIOD II 1607 1689....SETTLEMENTS. S9 

Section XII. In 1628, the foundation was laid 
for another colony, in New-England, by the 
name of the colony of Massachusetts Bay. 

The patent of this colony was granted by the Council of Plj-- 
inouth, or New-England, to Sir Henry Roswell and others ; 
and conveyed to them the territory lying between three miles 
north of the Merrimack, and* three miles south of Charles Ri- 
ver. 

Sir Henry Roswell and his associates, however, soon sold the 
patent to Sir Richard Saltonstall, John Endicott, and others in 
England, who were projecting a settlement in New-England, for 
the purposes of greater religious freedom. 

The same year, John Endicott was sent over, 
and began the settlement of the colony of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, at Salem, then called by the 
Indians, Naumkeak. As the patent granted to 
this colony conveyed no powers of government, 
King Charles, in 1629, granted these powers by 
charter. Six ships, furnished by the company, 
brought over four hundred persons, men, women 
and children, three hundred of whom settled at 
Salem, the remainder at Charlestown. 

During the succeeding summer, 1630, John 
Winthrop, who had been appointed governour, 
and Thomas Dudley, deputy governour, with 
one thousand five hundred people, arrived at 
Charlestown ; but owing to a mortal sickness, 
which soon after prevailed in that settlement, 
the governour and several of the planters remov- 
ed to Shawmut, which they named Boston. 

Governour Winthrop, and his associates, came over under 
an arrangement to transfer the government of this colony, from 
London to New-England, and to place it in the hands of officers 
to be elected by the freemen. This was carried into effect, and 
the freemen continued annually to elect their officers of govern- 
ment. 

The colony soon experienced the distresses of mortal sickness 
and wasting famine. There was scarcely a family, in which ther« 
had not been a death before spring, and many of the people were 
obliged to subsist on clamsj muscles^ acOrns, and nuts. Friday, 



^Q PERIOD II....1C07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

Febrnarv 6, was appointed as a day of fasting ; butthe day be 
fore, a ship arriving laden with provisions, the govemour, on he 
joyfd occasion, appointed a day of thanksgiving throughout the 

^^^sTction XIII. In 1632, Charles I. granted 
a patent to Lord Baltimore, conveying to him a 
tract of country on the Chesapeake Bay, which, 
in honour of Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry 
the great of France, he named Maryland. 

The next year, 1633, Lord Baltimore appoint- 
ed his brother, Leonard Calvert, governour of 
the province, who, with about two hundred 
planters, chieflv Roman Catholics, began a set- 
tlement in 1634, near the mouth of the Potomac, 
on the northern side. 

Emigrants soon flocked to this province from England and 
the other colonies, on account of the greater religious freedom 

^'Ti^the patent, the proprietor, with the consent of the freemen, 
or their delegates, was authorized to make all necessary laws, not 
opposed to the laws of England ; the king did not reserve a right 
to interfere in the government of the province. This was the 
oi-iginal government of the colony of Maryland, which, however, 
afterwards underwent various modifications. 

Section XIV. In 1633, the first house was 
erected in Connecticut. This was a trading 
house at Windsor, the materials of which some 
Plymouth adventurers sent in a vessel up Con- 
necticut river. 

On their arrival in the river, they found some 
Dutch, from New Amsterdam, who had previ- 
ously heard of the intended settlement at Wind- 
sor, occupying a fort, which they had erected, 
where Hartford now stands. On the approach 
of the Plymouth adventurers, the Dutch garrison 
ordered them to stop ; but the commander gal- 
lantly disregarded the order, and proceeded to 
Windsor. 

Two years from this, 1635, about sixty men, 



PERIOD II 1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. $7 

women, and children, from Newtown and Wa- 
tertown, in Massachusetts, commenced their 
journey through the wilderness to Connecticut 
river. They settled at Windsor, Wethersfield 
and Hartford. 

The same year, John Winthrop, son of tlie 
governour of Massachusetts, arrived from Eng- 
land, with a commission, as governour of Con- 
necticut, under lord Say and Seal, and lord 
Brook, to whom the council of Plymouth had 
given, in March, 1631, a patent of the territory. 

Soon after Winthrop's arrival at Boston, he despatched u 
Dark of thirty tons with twenty men, to take possession of Con- 
necticut river, and to build a fort at its mouth. This was ac- 
cordingly erected, and called Saybrook fori A {ew days after 
their eirrival, a Dutch vessel, from New Netherlands, appeared, 
to take possession of the river ; but, as the English had already 
mounted two cannon, their landing was prevented. 

The next June, 1636, the Rev. Messrs. Hooker and Stone, 
with a number of settlers, from Dorchester and Watertown, re- 
moved to Connecticut. With no guide but a compass, they 
made their way, one hundred miles over mountains, through 
swamps and rivers. Their journey, which was on foot, lasted 
a fortnight, during which they lived upon the milk of their cows. 
They drove one hundred and sixty cattle. 

Section XV. This year, 1636, Roger Wil- 
liams, having been banished from the colony of 
Massachusetts in 1634, removed with his family 
to Mooshawsic and began a plantation, which 
he called Providence. From this we date the 

settlement of Rhode Island. 

Williams was a minister of Salem ; on account of promul- 
gating opinions, civil as well as religious, which were contrary 
to those prevalent at that day in the colonies, though some of 
these are now universally admitted to be just, he was summon- 
ed, in 1636, to appear before the General Court, and the 
ministers of the colony. Mr. Hooker was appointed to dispute 
with him ; but being unable to induce him to renounce his 
opinions, he was sentenced to depart out of the jurisdiction. 

In 1638, William Coddington, who has sometimes been called 
the father of Rhode Island, with eighteen others, removed from 

4 



S8 PERIOD II....1607....16S9....SETTLEMENT& 

Massachusetts, and having purchased of the Indians, the Islaod' 
Aqutneck, began a settlement on the northern part of it. Others 
followed the next summer, and commenced another settlement 
on the south western side — dividing the Island into two town- 
ships, Portsmouth and Newport. They formed themselves 
into a body politick, and elected Mr. Coddington chief magis- 
trate. 

In 1640, the inhabitants of Providence agreed upon a form 
of government. Rhode Island, so called from a fancied resem- 
blance to the ancient island of Rhodes, soon began to be extensive- 
ly settled, both on account of its natural fertility, and also on ac- 
count of the religious freedom allowed to all denominations. 

In 1644, Roger Williams visited England, as agent of the 
settlers, and obtained of the earl of Warwick, one of the Ply- 
mouth company, a free charter of incorporation for Providence 
and Rhode Island Plantations. 

In 1663, a royal charter was granted to them, by Charles II. 
This charter constituted an assembly, consisting of a governour, 
deputy governour, and ten assistants, with the representatives 
<fom the several towns, all to be chosen by the freemen. 

Section XVI. The year 1637 is remarkable, 
in the history of Connecticut, for the war with the 
Pequots — a tribe of Indians, whose principal set- 
tlement was on a hill in the present town of Gro- 
ton. 

Prior to this time, the Pequots had frequently annoyed the in- 
fant colony, and in several instances had killed some of its in- 
habitants. In March of this year, the commander of Saybrook 
fort, with twelve men, was attacked by them, and three of his 
party killed. In April, another portion of this tribe assaulted 
the people of Wethersfield, as they were going to their rields to 
labour, and killed six men and three women. Two girls were 
taken captive by them, and twenty cows were killed. 

In this perilous state of the colony, a court was summoned at 
Hartford, May 1. After mature deliberation, it was determined 
that war should be commenced against the Pequots. 

Ninety men, nearly half the fencible men of the colony, were 
ordered to be raised — forty-two from Hartford — thirty from 
Windsor — and eighteen from Wethersfield. 

On the assembling of this force at Hartford, the Rev. Mr 
Hooker, previously to their marching, addressed them in the foZ 
lowing II) aimer. 

" Fellow Soldiers, Countrymen, and Companions, you ar« 
this day assembled hy the special Providence of God, you are 



PERIOD U...1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 39 

not C(Jlected by wild fancy, nor ferocious passions. It is not a 
tumidtuous assembly, whose actions are abortive, or if successful 
produce only theft, rapine, rape, and murder ; crimes inconsist- 
ent with nature's light, inconsistent with a soldier's valour. Yoiv 
my dear hearts, were selected from your neighbours, by tht godly 
fathers of the land, for your known courage, to execute such a 
work. 

" Your cause is the cause of heaven ; the enemy have blas- 
phemed your God, and slain his servants : you are only the 
ministers of his justice. I do not pretend that your enemies are 
careless or indifferent : no, their hatred is inllamed, their lips 
thirst for blood ; they would devour you, and all the people of 
God ; but, my brave soldiers, their guilt has reached tJie clouds ; 
they are ripe for destruction ; their cruelty is notorious ; and 
cruelty and cowardice are always united. 

" There is nothing, therefore, to prevent your certain victory, 
but their nimble feet, their impenetrable swamps, and woods ; 
from these your small numbers will entice them, or your courage 
drive them. I now put the question — Who would not tight in 
such a cause ? fight with undaunted boldness ? Do you wish tor 
more encouragement ? more I give you. Riches waken the 
soldier's sword ; and though you will not obtain silver and gold, 
on the field of victory, you will secure what is infinitely more 
precious ; you will secure the liherties, the privileges, and the 
lives of Chrisfs Church, in this new world. 

" You will procure safety for your affectionate wires, safety 
for your prattling, harmless, smiling babes ; you will secure all 
the blessings enjoyed by the people of God in the ordinances of 
the gospel. Distinguished was the honour conferred 'ipon Da- 
vid, for fighting the battles of the Lord ; this honour, <) ye cou- 
rageous soldiers of God, is now prepared for you. You will 
now execute his vengeance on the heathen ; you will bind their 
kings in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron. But perhaps 
some one may fear that a fatal arrow may deprive him of this 
honour. 

" Let every fahhful soldier of Jesus Christ be assured, that if 
any servant be taken away, it is merely because the honours of 
this world are too narrow for his reward ; an everlasting crown 
is set upon his head ; because the rewards of this life are insuffi- 
cient. March then with Christian courage, in the strength of 
the Lord ; march with faith in his divine promises, and soon 
your swords shall find your enemies ; soon they shall fall like 
leaves of the forest under your feet." 

With these troops, together with seventy river and Moheagan 
Indians, Capt. Masc;. to whom the command of the expedition 
was given, dropped do\vn the river Connecticut, to Saybrook. 



|0 PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

Ilere a plan ot operations was formed. On the twenty-sixth of 
May, about the dawn ol day, capt. Mason surprised Mystic, 
one of the principal forts of the enemy, in the present town of 
Stonington. On their near approach to the fort, a dog barked, 
and an Indian who now discovered them, cried out, " O wanux I 
O wanux !" Englishmen, Englishmen. 

The troops instantly pressed forward and fired. The de- 
straction of the enemy soon became terrible, but they rallied at 
length, and made a manly resistance. After a severe and pro« 
tractcd conflici, capt. Mason and his troops being nearly ex- 
hausted, and victory still doubtful, he cried out to his men, we 
must burn them ! 

At the same instant, seizing a firebrand, he applied it to a 
wigwam. The flames spread rapidly, on every side ; and as 
the sun rose upon the scene, it showed the work of destruction 
to be complete. Seventy wigwams were in ruins, and between 
five and six hundred Indians lay bleeding on the ground, or 
smouldering in the ashes. 

But th<vugh the victory was complete, the troops were now 
in' great distress. Besides two killed, sixteen of their number 
were wtranded. Their surgeon, medicines, and provisions, were 
on board some vessels, on their wi' y to Pequot harbour, now 
New-Locdon. While consulting what should be done ui this 
emergerioy, how great was their joy to desciy their vesseis stand* 
ing directly towards the harbour, under a prosperous wind ' 

Soon after, a detachment of nearly two hundred men, from 
Massachusetts and Plymouth, airived to assist Connecticut, in 
prosecuting the war. 

Sas&^ix:us, the great Sachem of the Pequots, and his warriours, 
were sr> appalled at the destruction ol" Mystic, that thej fled to- 
wards Hudson's riven The troops pursued them as lar as a 
jjreat swamp in E'airfield, wheie another action took place, in 
which the Indians were entirely vanquished. 

This was followed by a treaty with the remaining Pequot'' 
about two hundred in number, agreeably to which they were * 
Tided among the JNarragansetts and Moheayans. 

Thus terminated a conflict which for a time was eminently 
distressing to the colonies. This event of peace was celebrat- 
ed thioughout New-England, by a day of thanksgiving and 
praise. 

Section XVII. The expedition against the 

PeqHots made the English acquainted with Quin- 

napiak or New-Haven ; and the next year, 1G38, 

led to the settlement of that town. This, and 



PLRIOD II....1607....1689 41 

the adjoining towns, soon after settled, went by 
the name of the colony of New-Haven. 

Among the founders of this colony was Mr. John Davenport, 
a celebrated minister of London. Theophilus Eaton, who had 
been governour of the East India Company, and Edward Hop- 
kins, a merchant of London. The unmolested enjoyment of 
civil and religious liberty was the object of theii emigration, as 
jt was of most of the emigrants to this country. 

Having purchased the land of Monauguin, sachem of the 
country, whom they paiid to his full satisfaction, on the 18th of 
April, they kept their first Sabbath in the place, under a large 
oak tree, where Mr. Davenport preached to them 

Section XVIII. The following year, January 
14, 1639, the three towns on Connecticut river, 
Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, finding 
themselves without the limits of the Massachu- 
setts patent, met, and formed themselves into a 
distinct commonwealth, and adopted a constitu- 
tion. 

This constitution, which has been much admired, and which 
for more than a century and a half underwent little alteration, 
ordained that there should annually be two general assemblies, 
one in April, the other in September. In April the officers of 
government were to be elected by the freemen, and to consist of 
governour, deputy governour, and five or six assistants. The 
towns were to send deputies to the general assemblies. Under 
this constitution, the first governour was John Haynes, and 
Roger Ludlow, the first deputy governour. 

Section XIX. The example of the colony of 
Connecticut, in forming a constitution, was fol- 
lowed, the next June, by the colony of New-Ha- 
ven. Both constitutions were essentially alike. 
Theophilus Eaton was the first governour of 
the colony. 

Section XX. This same year, 1639, SirFer- 
dinando Gorges obtained of the crown a charter 
of all the land from Piscataqua to Sagadahock, 
calling the territory the Pro* ince of Maine. He 
formed a system of gpvernment for the province, 
but it did not flourish. In 1661 , or 1652, it was 

4 * 



4j| PERIOD II....1607....1689....S£TtL£Mt:NTS. 

taken under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, 
by request of the people of Maine. 

The Plymouth colonists had obtained a patent for land lying 
on the Kennebeck river in 1628, and had erected a house there 
for trade. Scattered settlements were made in the tei-ritory 
some years afterward ; but the history of their progress is ob- 
scure. 

Section XXI. The next event of importance 
in our history is the union of the colonies of 
Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New- 
Haven, by the name of The United Colonies 
OF New-England. The articles of this confede- 
ration, which had been agitated for three years, 
were signed May 19th, 1643. 

To this union the colonies were strongly urged 
by a sense of common danger from the Indians, 
(a general combination of whom was expected,) 
and by the claims and encroachments of the 
Dutch, at Manhattan, New- York. 

By these articles of union, each colony retained its distinct 
and separate government. — No two colonies might be united into 
one, nor any colony be received into the confedei'acy, without 
the consent of the whole. Each colony was to elect two Com- 
missioners, who should meet annually, and at other times if ne- 
cessary, and should determine " all affairs of war and peace, of 
leagues, aids, charges, and numbers of men for war," &c. 
Upon notice that any colony was invaded, the rest were imme- 
diately to despatch assistance. 

This union subsisted more than forty years, until the charters 
of the colonies were either taken away, or suspended by James 
II. and his commissioners. 

In 1648, Rhode-Island petitioned to be admitted to this con- 
federacy, but was denied, unless she would be incorporated with 
Plymouth, and lose her separate existence. — This she refused, 
and was consequently excluded. 

The effects of this union on the New-England colonies were 
in a high degree salutary. On the completion of it, several In- 
dian Sachems, among whom were the chiefs of the Narraganset 
and Moheagan tribes, came in, and submitted to the English go- 
vernment. The colonies also became formidable, by means of 
it, to the Dutch. This union was also made subsarvient to the 
civUand religious improvement of the Indians. 



PERIOD n....lG07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 4f 

Prior to this period, Mr. Mayhew and the devoted Elliot had 
made considerable progress towards civilizing the Indians, and 
converting them to Christianity, They had learned the Indian 
language, and had preached to the Indians in their own tongue. 

Upon a report in England of what these men had done, a so- 
ciety was formed for propagating the Gospel among the Indians, 
which sent over books, money, &c. to be distributed by the 
Commissioners of the United Colonies. 

The Indians at first made a great opposition to Christianity ; 
and such was their aversion to it, that had they not been over- 
awed by the United Colonies, it is probable they would have put 
to depth those among them who embraced it. — Such, however, 
were the ardour, energy, and ability of Messrs. Mayhew and 
Elliot, aided by the countenance and support of government, and 
blessed by Providence, that in 1660, there were ten towns of con- 
verted Indians in Massachusetts. In l6y5, there were not less 
than three thousand adult Indian converts, in the islands of 
Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. 

SectionXXll. 1662. The colony of Connec- 
ticut, having petitioned king Charles II. through 
governour Winthrop, for a charter of incorpora- 
tion, his majesty granted their request, and issued 
his letters patent, April 2d, constituting them a 
body corporate and politick, by the name of The 
Governour and Company of the English Colo- 
ny of Connecticut in New-England in America. 

The territory granted to lord Say and Seal, and lord Brook, 
in 1631, and confirmed by this charter to Connecticut, was 
bounded east by Narraganset river ; south by Long-Island 
sound ; north by Massaciuisetts ; and extended west to the Pa« 
cifick Ocean. 

The charter of Connecticut ordained that there should be a 
governour, deputy governour, and twelve assistants to be chosen 
annually. The charter instituted two general assemblies for 
each year, to consist of the above officers and deputies from the 
towns : the former to compose the upper, and the deputies the 
lower house. The government under the charter was essentially 
the same with that which the people had themselves adopted, 
in 1630, and continued to be the constitution of the colony and 
State of Connecticut until the year 1818. 

This charter included the colony of New-Haven ; but not be- 
ing agreeable to that colony, it did not unite with Connecticut 
until two years after. The granting of a charter to Connecticut 



44 PERIOD II....1C07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

was followed the next year, 1663, by a similar grant to Rhode* 
Island and Providence Plantatiovs, as already noticed. 

Section XXIII. The settlement of the Dutch 
at Manhattan, in 1615, and their submission to 
the government of Virginia, which sent an expe- 
dition against them the same year, has already 
been mentioned. But the succeeding governour 
threw off the English yoke, and from that time 
they had remained independent of the English. 
— Belonging to a different nation, and having 
different interests, they availed themselves of 
every occasion to perplex and annoy the New- 
England colonies. They even laid claim to a 
considerable part of Connecticut. 

At length, king Charles II. sensible of the 
evil consequences of having a Dutch colony in 
the heart of his American dominions, determined 
to dispossess them. Accordingly in the year 
1664, he made a grant of the whole country, in- 
cluding in it the several colonies of New- York, 
New- Jersey, and Delaware, to his brother, the 
duke of York and Albany. 

An expedition was soon fitted out against the 
Dutch, under command of Col. Richard Nichols, 
who shortly after appeared at Manhattan, and 
demanded a surrender. To this demand, the 
Dutch governour, Stuyvesant, yielded Aug. 27, 
being unprepared for defence. — Thus the whole 
country passed into the hands of the English. 
In honour of the duke, the two principal Dutch 
settlements were now named New- York and 
Albany. 

Section XXIV. A short time previous to the 
surrender of the Dutch, the duke of York con- 
veyed to lord Berkley, and Sir George Carteret, 
the territory of New- Jersey. This name was 



PERIOD n....I607...-1689....SETTLEMENTS. 49 

given it, in complirneut to Carteret, who had been 
governour of the Isle of Jersey, in the English 
Channel. Soon after the grant, but before it 
was known, three persons from Long-Island pur- 
chased of the natives a tract which was called 
Elizabeth town grant, and a settlement was be- 
gun at Elizabethtown. In a few years, emigrants 
from various parts of Europe settled Newark, 
Middletown, and other places. 

The first s<'Ttlement in New-Jersey was made three or four 
years alter the settlement of Plymouth in New-England, by some 
Dutchmen and Danes. The inhabitants were considerably nu- 
merous at the lime of the surrender of the province to the Eng- 
lish government. 

The next year, 1665, Philip Carteret, who had 
been appointed governour by the proprietors, ar- 
rived at Elizabethtown, which he made the seat 
of government. He administered the government 
according to a constitution, which the proprie- 
tors had formed. 

This constitution ordained a free assembly, consisting of a 
governour, council, and representatives, the latter to be chosen 
by eac^i town. The legislative power resided in the assembly 
— th« executive in the governour and council. 

Section XXV. Delaware was also includ- 
ed in the grant to the duke of York. At this 
time it was in the hands of the Dutch, but an 
expedition was sent against it under Sir Robert 
Ca;rr, to whom it surrended Oct. 1,, 1664, soon 
after which, it was put under the authority of the 
English governour of New-York. 

Delaware was first settled in lG27, by a number of Swedes 
and P'ins, who at the instance of Gustavus Adolphus, king ot 
Sweden, emigrated to America. They landed at Cape Henlo.. 
pen, which, on Hccount of its beauty, they called Paradise Point; 
the Delaware they named Swedeland Stream. 

The Dutch at New Netherlands laid claim, however, to the 
territory, and mutual contests subsisted for a long time between 
them and the Swedes. After several times changing masters, 
the territory finally surrendered to the Dut :h, who held posses 



46 PERIOD II....1607...168a...SETTLEMENTS. 

sion of it, at the time of the English expedition against *it under 
Carr, in l664. 

Section XXVI. After the reduction of New- 
York, Col. Richard Nichols, Sir Robert Carr, 
George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, 
Esqrs. entered upon the duties of a commission 
from king Charles, " to hear and determine com- 
plaints and appeals, in all causes, as well mili- 
tary as criminal and civil," within New-England, 
and to proceed in all things for settling the peace 
and security of the country. 

The conduct of these commissioners was ex- 
ceedingly arbitrary and offensive to the colonies. 
Under pretext of executing their commission, 
they received complaints against the colonies 
from the Indians ; required persons, against the 
consent of the people, to be admitted to the pri- 
vileges of freemen ; to church membership, and 
full communion . heard and decided in causes 
which had already been determine(^ by the esta- 
blished courts : and gave protection to criminals. 
After involving the colonies in great embarrass- 
ment and expense, they were at length recalled, 
and the country saved from impending ruin. 

Section XXVII. In the year 1663, the tract 
of country, extending from the 36th degree of 
north latitude to the river St. Matheo, was 
erected into a province by the name of Caro- 
lina, so called in honour of Charles IX. king 
of France, under whose patronage the coast had 
been discovered in 1563. 

This tract was conveyed, by charter of Charles 
II. King of England, at this time, to Lord Cla» 
rendon, and seven others, who were made abso- 
lute proprietors of the territory, and invested with 
ample powers to settle and govern it. Two years 
after, the charter was confirmed and enlarged, so 



PERIOD II 1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 47 

as to embrace the whole territory, now divided 
into the two Carolinas, Georgia, and the Flori- 
das. 

As early as l650, a settlement Avas begun in Albemarle county, 
by planters from Virginia, and emigrants from otiier places. 
This settlement was placed by the proprietors, under the super- 
intendence of Sir William Berkley, governour of Virginia, who 
was instructed to visit it, and to appoint a governour and council 
of six for it. 

The attention of the proprietors was next turned to the coun- 
try south of Cape Fear, which they erected Into a county by 
the name of Clarendon. This county was settled in 1665, by 
emigrants from the Island of Barbadoes. Sir John Yeamans, 
who was from that island, was appointed governour, and a 
eeparate government granted, similar to that of Albemarle. 

In 1669, another settlement was made still further south, at 
Port Royal, under the direction of WiUiam Sayle, who was ap- 
pointed the first governour. The name of this county was Car- 
teret. Thus three distinct governments were formed in Caro- 
lina. 

In 1671, Gov. Sayle, dissatisfied with the situation of Port 
Royal, removed to the northward, and took possession of a neck 
of land between Ashley and Cooper's river. Here was laid 
the foundation of a town called Charlestown. Nine years after, 
however, the inhabitants removed to " the Oyster Point," where 
Charleston, the present capital of South Carolina, was begun. 
The place which they left went by the name of " the Old 
Town." 

In consequence of the unhealthiness of the climate, Governour 
Sayle died shortly after his removal to Old Charleston, upon 
which this colony was annexed to the government of that of 
Clarendon, under governour Yeamans, and the three govern- 
ments were reduced to two. 

During the administration of governour Sayle, a constitution, 
prepared, at the request of the proprietors, by the celebrated 
Mr. Locke, was attempted to be put in force. 

By this constitution, a president of a palatine court, to consist 
of the proprief'irs was to be chosen for life. An hereditary 
nobility was to be established, consisting of Icmdgraves and ca- 
ciques. A parliament, chosen once in two years, was to be 
held, consisting of the proprietors, of the nobUity, and of repre- 
sentatives ftom each district. AH were to meet in onp apart- 
ment, and to have an equal voice. No business, however, could 
be proposed in parliament, until it had been debated in a grand 



4S PERIOD n....ie07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

conncil, to consist of the governour, nobility, and deputies of 
proprietors. 

This constitution it was found impossible to reduce to prac- 
tice. Great opposition was made to it ; and in Albemarle an 
insurrection was occasioned by an attempt to enforce it. It was 
tlierefore at length abandoned, and the former proprietary go- 
vernment restored. This latter sort of government continued 
from 1669 to 1729j when the proprietors surrendered their title 
and interest to the King of England. The province was now 
divided into North and South Carolina, and their governours and 
councils were appointed by the crown. 

8ection XXVIII. This year, 1675, began the 
memorable war in New-England, with the In- 
dians, called King Philip'' s war ; by which the 
peace of the colonies was greaUy disturbed, and 
their existence for a time seriously endangered. 

For several years previous to th*: f»peiiing of the war, the In- 
dians had regarded the English with in. reasing jealousy. Th^'y 
saw them growing in numbers, and j aj idly extending their set- 
tlements. At the same time their ( wn hunting grounds were 
visibly narrowing, and their power dnd privileges sensibly de- 
creasing. The prospect bel'ore th«:m was humbling to the 
haughty descendants of the original lords of the soil. 

The principal exciter of the Indians at this time against the 
English, was Philip, sachem of the Wampanoags, grandson and 
successor of Masassoit, who, fifty years before, had made a 
treaty with the colony of Plymouth. Philip's residence was at 
Mount Ho})e, Bristol, Rhode-Island. 

The immediate cause of the war was the execution of three 
Indians by the Enghsh, whom Philip had excited to murder one 
Sausaman, an Indian missionary. Sausaman, being friendly 
to the English, had informed them that Philip, with several 
tribes, was plotting their destruction. 

The execution of these Indians roused the anger of Philip, 
who immediately armed his men, and commenced hostilities. 
Their first attack was made June 24th, upon the people ol 
Swanzey, in Plymouth colony, as they were returning home 
from public worship, on a day of humiliation and prayer, undei 
the apprehension of the approaching war. Eight or nine per- 
sons were killed. 

The country was immediately alarmed, and the troops of the 
colony flew to the defence of SwaHzey. On the 28th, a com- 
pany of horse and a company of foot, with one hundied and ten 
volunteers from Boston, joined the Plymouth forces at Swanzey. 



F£RIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 49 

The next morning an attack was made upon some of Philii/s 
men, who were pursued, and five or six of them killed. This 
resolute conduct of the English made a deep impression on the 
enemy. Philip, with his forces left Mount Hope the same night 
— marking his route, however, with the burning ot houses, anJ 
(he scalping of the defenceless inhabitants. 

It being known that the Narragansets favoured the. cause of 
Philip, he having sent his women and children to them for pro- 
tection, the Massachusetts forces under Capt. Hutchinson, pro- 
ceeded forthwith into their country, either to renew a treaty 
with them, or to give them battle. Fortunately, a treaty was 
concluded, and the troops returned. 

On the 17th of July, news arrived that Philip, with his warri- 
ours, was in a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton. The Massa- 
chusetts and Plymouth forces imr>ediately marched to that place, 
and the next day resolutely cha'^ged the enemy in their recesses. 
As the troops entered the swamp, the Indians continued to re- 
tire. The English in vain pursued, till the approach of night, 
when the commander ordered a retreat. Many of the English 
were killed, and the enemy seemed to take courage. 

It being impossible to em junter the Indians with advantage 
in the swamps, it was deterr med tc starve them out ; but Philip, 
apprehending their design, .ontrived to escape with his forces. 

He now fled to the Ni' mucks, a tribe in Worcester county, 
Massachusetts, whom he induced to assist him. This tribe had 
already commenced hostilities against the English ; but, in the 
hope of reclaiming them, the governour and council sent Cap- 
tains Wheeler and Hutchinson to treat with them. But the In- 
dians, having intimation of their coming, lurked in ambush for 
them, fired upon them as they approached, killed eight men, 
and mortally wounded eight more, of whom Capt. Hutchinson 
was one. 

The remainder of the English fled to Quaboag, Brookfiekl. 
The Indians, however, closely pursued them into the town, and 
burnt every house excepting one, in which the inhabitants had 
taken refuge. This house at length they surrounded. " For 
two days they continued to pour a storm of musket balls upon 
•'t, and although countless numbers pierced through the walls, 
but one person was killed. With long poles, they next thrust 
against it brands, and rags dipped in brimstone ; they shot ar- 
rows of fire ; they loaded a cart with flax and tow, and with 
long poles fastened together, they pushed it against the house. 
Destruction seemed inevitable. The house was kindling, and 
the savages stood ready to destroy the first that should open the 
door to escape. At this awful moment a torrent of rain descend 
ed, and suddenly extinguished the kindling llames," 

5 



50 PERIOD II 1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS 

August 4th, Major Willard came to their relief, raised ffat 
siege, and destroyed a considerable number ol the assailants. 

During the month of September, Hadley, Deerfield, and JSorth 
field, on Connecticut river, were attacked ; several of the inha 
bitants were killed, and many buildings consumed. On the 1 8th, 
Captain Lathrop, with several teams and eighty young men, the 
flower of the countv of Essex, were sent to Deerrield to trans- 
port a quantity of grain to Hadley. On their return, stop])ing 
to gather grapes at Muddy Brook, they were suddenly attacked 
by near eight hundred Indians. Resistance was in vain, and 
seventy of these young men fell belore the merciless enemy, and 
were buried in one grave. Captain ^losely who was at Deer- 
field, hearing the report of the guns, hastened to the spot, and 
with a few men, attacked the Indians, killed ninety-six, and 
wounded forty, losing himself but two men. 

Early in October, the Springfield Indians, who had hitherto 
been friendly to the English, concerted a plan, with the hostile 
teibes, to burn that town. Having, under cover of night, re- 
ceived two or three hundred of Philip's men into their fort, with 
the assistance of these, they set fire to the town. The plot, how- 
ever, was discovered so seasonably, that troops arrived from 
Westfield, in time to save tht town, excepting thirty-two houses, 
already consumed. 

Soon after hostilities were commenced by PhiHp, the Tarren- 
teens began their depredations in JNew-Iiampshire, and the Pro- 
vince of Maine. They robbed the boats and plundered the 
houses of the English. In September they fell on Saco, Scar- 
borough, and Kittery, killed between twenty and thirty of the 
inh .bitants, and consigned their houses, barns, and mills, to the 
flames. 

Elated with these successes, they next advanced towards Pis- 
cataqua, committing the same outrages at Oyster river, Salmon 
Falls, Dover and Exeter. Before winter, sixty of the English, 
in that quarter, were killed, and nearly as many buildings con- 
sumed. 

The Indians in those parts, however, had real ground of com 
plaint. Some seamen, hearing it reported that Indian children 
could swim by instinct, overset the canoe of Squando, sachem 
of the Saco Indians, in which were his squaw and infant child 
This act Squando could not overlook, especially as some time 
after the child died, and, as the sachem believed, on account ol 
some injury that it then received. Besides this, several Indiana 
had been enticed on board a vessel, cajried off", and sold into 
slavery. To redress these wrongs, the Indians commenced hos 
tllities. 

Notwitlistanding the Narragansets had pledged themselves by 



PERIOD II 1607....1689....SETTLEMENT3. 51 

their treaty, not to engage in the war against the fc^nglLsh^ it was 
discovered that they were taking part with the enemy. It was 
deemed necessary, therelore, tor the safety of the colonies, early 
to check tliat powertiil tribe. 

Accordingly, governour Winslow of Plymouth^ with about 
one thousand eight hundred troops from Massachusetts and Coa* 
necticut, and one hundred and s xty friendly indinns, comment* 
ed their march from Petty quan scot, on the 1 9th of Dect-mber, 
1675, througn a deep snow, towards the enemy, who were in a 
swamp about fifteen miles distant. 

The army arrived at the swamp at one in the afternoon. 
Some Indians at the edge of the swamp were fired upon, but 
fled. The whole army now entered and pursued the Indians to 
their fortress. 

This stood or. a rising ground, in the middle of the swamp. 
It was a work of great strength and (abt<ur, being composed of 
palisades, and surrounded by a hedge about sixteen teet in thick- 
ness. 

i}ne entrance only led to the fort, through the surroiuiding 
thicket. Upon this the tnglish providerjtially fell ; and without 
waiting to form, rushed impetuously towards the fort. 1 he 
English captains entered first. The resistance ot the Indians 
was gallant and warlikt. Cnptains Johnson and Daveupd.t, 
with many of their jnen, fell at the er>tr;ince At length the 
English gave back, and were obliged to retreat out of the tort. 
At this crisis, the army being on the point of a fatal repulse, 
some (.'onnecticut men, on the opposit'' side ot the l«»rt. disro- 
vered a place destitute of palisades ; they instai-tly spraji^ 'MiO 
the fort, fell upon the rear of »he lndiaii.>>, and, aided by th« rest 
of the array, after a de.sperate conflict, achieved a complete vic- 
tory. Six hundred wigwams were now set on fire. The sc'^ae 
was awful. Deep volumes of smoke rolled i>p to heaven, min* 
gling with the dying shrieks of mothers and infants, while the 
aged and infirm were consuming in the flames. 

Even at this distant period, we cannot recall this scene without 
pain, and can justify this severity of our ancestors, nly by ad- 
mitting its necessity (c • selt-preservation. 

The Indians in thf "ort were estimated at rour thousand : of 
these seven hundred warriours were kilted, and thref hundred 
died of their wounds ; three hundred were taken prisoners, and 
as many women and children. The rest, "X'^ept such as were 
consumed, fled. 

The victory of the English, complete as it wj-.s. was purchas- 
ed with blood. Six brave captains fell ; eighty of the troops 
were killed or mortally wounded ; and one hundred and fifty 
were wounded, wko recovered. 



S0 PERIOD II....1607....1689....S£TTLfiM£NTS. 

From this defeat, the Indians never recovered. They wertf 
not yet, however, effectually subdued. During the winter they 
still continued to murder and burn. The towns of Lancaster, 
Medfieid, Weymouth, Groion, Springfield, Morthampton, Sud- 
bury, and Marlborough, in Massachusetts, and of Warwick and 
Providence, in Rhode-lsland, were assaulted, and some of them 
partly, and others wholly destroyed. In March, Captain 
Piercf, with fifty English, and twenty friendly Indians, were at- 
tacked, and every i.nglisliman, and most of the Indians, were 
slain. In April, Captain Wadsworth, marching with fifty men 
to the relief of Sudbury, was surrounded, and eJl either killed on 
the spot, or reserved for long and distressing tortures. 

The success of the Indians, during the winti'r, had been great; 
but OR the return of spring the tide turned against them. The 
Narraganset country was scoured, and many of the natives were 
killed, among whom was Canonchet, their chief sachem. 

On the 12th of August, lG76, the finishing stroke was given 
tc the war in the United colonies, by the death <.f Philip. Aftei 
his tlight from Mount Hope, he had attempted to rouse the Mo- 
hawks against the English. To effect his purpose, he killea, at 
several times, some of that tribe, and laid it to thn English. Bui 
his iniquity was discovered, and he was obliged hastily to flee. 
lie returned at length to Mount Hope. 

Tidings of his return were brought to Captain Church, a man 
who had been of eminent service in this war, and who was bet- 
ter able than any other person to provide against the wiles of 
Jie enemy. Capt. Chm-ch immediately proceeded to the place 
of Philip's concealment, near Mount Hope, accompanied by a 
small body of men. On his arrival, which was 'n the night, he 
placed his men in ambushes round the swamp, charging them 
not to move till daylight, that they might distinguish Philip, 
should he attempt to escape. Such was his confidence of suc- 
cess, that taking Major Sandford by the hand, he said, " It is 
scarcely possible that Philip should escape." At that instant, 
a bullet whistled over their heads, and a volley followed. 

The firing proceeded from Phihp, and his men, who were in 
view. Perceiving his peril, the savage chief, desperately snatch- 
ed his powder horn and gun, and ran fiercely towards the spot 
where an Englishman and Indian lay concealed. — The English 
soldier levelled his gun, but it missed fire : the Indian fired, and 
shot Philip through the heart. 

Captaui Church ordered him to be beheaded, and quartered. 
The Indian who executed this order, pronounced the warriour's 
epkaph, " You have been one very great man. You have made 
many a man afraid of you. But so big as you be, I will n( v 
chop you to pieces." 



PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 59 

Thus fell a savage hero and patriot — of whose transcendant 
abilities our history furnishes melancholy evidence. — The ad 
vantage of civilized education, and a wider theatre of action, 
might have made the name of Philip of Mount Hope, as memo* 
rable as that of Alexander, or Caesar. 

After the death of Philip, the w ar continued in the province 
of Maine, till the spring of 1678. But westward, the Indians 
having lost their chiefs, wigwams, and provisions, and perceiv- 
ing further contest vain, came in singly, by tens, and hundreds, 
and submitted to the English. 

Thus closed a melancholy period in the annals of New-Eng- 
land history ; during which, six hundred men, the flower of her 
strength, had fallen ; twelve or thirteen towns had been destroy- 
ed, and six hundred dwelling houses consumed. Every eleventh 
%mily was houseless, and every eleventh soldier had sunk to his 
grave. So costly was the inheritance which our fathers have 
transmitted to us. 

Section XXIX. The grant of the territory of 
New- York, by Charles II. to his brother the duke 
of York, in 1664, has already been noticed, as 
also its capture from the Dutch, the same year. 
In 1673, a war commencing between England 
and Holland, the latter sent a small fleet to New- 
York, and the town immediately surrendered. 

The following year, 1674, the war terminatedj 
and a treaty was concluded between England 
and Holland. By this treaty New- York was re- 
stored to the English. To prevent controversy 
about his title to the territory, the Duke of York 
took out a new patent, and appointed Sir Ed- 
mund Andross governour, who entered upon the 
duties of his appointment, in October of the same 
year. 

The administration of Andross, however, was 
arbitrary and severe. He admitted the people 
to no share in legislation, but ruled them by laws, 
to which they had never given their assent. 

Connecticut also experienced the weight of his oppression and 
despotism. That part of her territory west of Connecticut ri- 
ver, althoHgh long before granted to the colony of Connectieof, 

5 * 



94 PERIOD II....i607....1689....S£TTLEM£NT5. 

was included in the grant to the duke of York. By virtue of 
this grant, Andross now claimed jurisdiction over the territory^ 
and in July 1675, made an attempt with an armed force, to take 
possession of Saybrook Fort. 

The governour and council of Connecticut, having notice o| 
his coming, sent Capt. Bull to defend the fort. On the arrival 
of Andross at the mouth of the river, after making a show of 
force, he invited Capt. Bull to a conference. This was granted ; 
but no sooner had he landed, than he attempted to read his com- 
mission, and the duke's patent. This Capt. Bull firmly and 
positively forbid, and Sir Edmund, finding the colony determin- 
ed, at all events, not to submit to his government, relinquished 
his design and sailed for Long-Island. 

Section XXX. But the colonies had other trou- 
bles to experience, and other enemies to combat 
In 1676, while the Indian war was still going on, 
complaints were made in England against the 
colonies, for violating the acts of trade. These 
acts imposed oppressive customs upon certain 
commodities, ifimported from any country besides 
England, or if transported from one colony to 
another. The acts were considered by the co- 
lonies as unjust, impolitick, and cruel. For se- 
veral years they paid little attention to them, and 
his majesty at length required, that agents should 
be sent to England to answer in behalf of the co- 
lonies for these violations. 

By the acts of trade none of the colonies suf- 
fered more than Virginia and Maryland, their 
operation being greatly to lessen the profits on 
their tobacco trade, from which a great portion 
of 'heir wealth was derived. In addition to those 
sufferings, the colony of Virginia, in violation of 
chartered rights, was divided, and conveyed away 
in proprietary grants. Not only uncultivated 
woodlands were thus conveyed, but also planta- 
tions, which had long been possessed, and im- 
proved according to law and charter. 

The Virginians complained, petitioned, remon 



'.MduAi.. 



PERIOD II 1607 1689....SETTLEMENTS. 55 

strated — but without effect. Agents were sent 
to England, to lay their grievances at the foot of 
the throne, but agents were unsuccessful. At 
length their oppression became insupportable, 
and the discontent of the people broke out int© 
open insurrection. 

At the head of this insurrection was place one Nathaniel 
Bacon, an Englishman, who soon after his arrival, had been ap- 
pointed a member of the council. He was a young man of 
commanding person, and great energy and enterprise. 

The colony at this time was engaged in war with the Susque- 
hannah Indians. Bacon despatched a messenger to governour 
Berkley, requesting a commission to go against the Indians. 
This commission the governour refused, and, at the same tirae^ 
ordered Bacon to dismiss his men, and on penalty of being de- 
clared a rebel, to appear before himself and the council. Exas- 
perated by such treatment. Bacon, without disbanding the rest of 
his men, proceeded in a sloop with forty of them, to Jamestown. 
Here a quarrel ensued, and Berkley illegally suspended him from 
the council. Bacon departed in a rage, with his sloop and men, 
but the governour pursued him, and adopted such measures that 
he was taken, and brought to Jamestown. 

Finding that he had dismissed Bacon from the council ille- 
gally, he now admitted him again, and treated him kindly. 
Soon after, Bacon renewed his importunity for a commission 
against the Indians. Being unable to effect his purpose he left 
Jamestown privately, but soon appeared again with six hundred 
volunteers, and demanded of the assembly, then sitting, the re- 
quired commission. Being overawed, the assembly advised the 
governour to grant it. But soon after Bacon had departed, the 
governour, by the same advice, issued a proclamation, denounc* 
mg him as a rebel. 

Hearing what the governour had done, Bacon, instead of 
marching against the Indians, returned to Jamestown, wreaking 
his vengeance upon all who opposed him. Governour Berkley 
fled across the bay to Accomack, but the spirit of rebellion had 
gone before him. He therefore found himself unable to resist 
Bacon, who now ranged the country at pleasure. 

At length the governour, with a small force, under command 
of major Robert Beverly, crossed the bay to oppose the male- 
contents. Civil war had now commenced. Jamestown was 
burnt by Bacon's followers ; various parts of the colony were 
pillaged, and the wives of those that adhered to the govcrnour's 
party were carried to the camp of the insurgents. 



55 PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

In the midst of these commotions, it pleased the Supreme 
Ruler to withdraw Bacon by a natural death. The malecon- 
tents, thus left to recover their reason, now began to disperse. 
Two of Bacon's generals surrendered, and were pardoned, and 
the people quietly returned to their homes. 

Upon this Berkley resumed the government, and peace was 
restr>red. This rebellion formed an era of some note in the his 
lOry of Virginia, and its unhtippy effects were felt for thirty years 
During its continuance, husbandry was almost entirely neglected 
and such havock was made among all kinds of cattle, that the 
people were threatened with distressing famine. Sir William 
Berkley, after having been forty years governour of Virginia 
returned to England, where he soon after died. 

Three 3'ears after, l6T9, lord Culpepper was sent over as go 
vermiur, with certain laws prepared in conformity to the wishes 
of the ministry of England, and designed to be enacted by the 
assembly in Virginia. One of those laws provided for raising 
a revenue for the supp<trt of government. It made the duties 
perpetual, and placed them under the direction of his majesty 
Out of the duties, Culpepppr dishonestly took as his salary, two 
thousand pounds, and one hundred and sixty more for house 
rent. 

On presenting these laws to the assembly, Culpepper inform- 
ed them that in case they were passed, he had instructions to 
offer pardon to ail who had been concerned in Bacon's rebellion ; 
but if not he had commissions to try and hang them as rebels, 
and a regiment of soldiers on the spot to support him. The as« 
sembly, thus threatened, passed the laws. 

Section XXXI. In the year 1676, the province 
of New- Jersey was divided into East and Wesl 
Jersey, and continued thus divided until 1702, 
when the proprietors surrendered the govern- 
mefit to the crown under Queen Anne, upon 
which the two provinces were united into one. 

The two proprietors of New-Jersey were Lord Berkley, ano 
Sir George Cartaret. In 1674, lord Berkley made a conveyance 
of his half to John Fenwick, in trust for Edward BiUinge, and 
his assigns. BiUinge, being in debt, pre^^ented his interest in 
the prm-^ince to his creditors, William Jones and others, being 
appointed trustees to dispose of the lands. 

In the division which thus took place, Cartaret took East 
Jersey, the government of which he retained, and the trustees of 
BiUinge, West Jersey. The duke of York, though he had con- 
veyed away his powers of government, when he sold the prct 



PERIOD U 1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 57 

vince to Berkley and Cjirtaret, in 1664, unjustly claimed West 
Jersey, as a dependency of New- York. 

Until 168O, this dependency was maintained, when the duke 
of York, after much solicitation, relinquished his claim, and re- 
stored to the proprietors, the right granted by his patent of 1 664. 
In 1682, Cartaret, disgusted with the ^je -pie, sold his right to 
East Jersey, to WiWiam Penn, and others, who immediately 
Bold one half of it to the earl of Perth, and his associates. Ro- 
bert Barclay, the celebrated author of " the Apology for the Qua- 
kers," was the next year made govemour ot Last Jersey. 

In 1686, both the Jerseys and New- York, were annexed to 
New-England, and continued so till the accession of William 
and Mary to the throne of England, in 1689- " A government 
under the proprietors of both the Jerseys, had become extremely 
disagreeable to the inhabitants : who from various causes, be- 
come so uneasy, that the proprietors surrendered the government 
of East and West Jersey to the crown in 1702, which Queen 
Anne very readily accepted." 

" The two provinces were now united into one, and lord 
Cornbury was appointed govemour over the united colony, and 
received his commission and instnictions from the queen. 

" The freemen chose the house of representatives, consisting 
of twenty-four members, but the govemour and council, consist- 
ing of twelve members, were appointed by the crown. New- 
York and New-Jersey had, till the year 1738, a common govem- 
our ; but at this time a separate govemour was appointed over 
the latter province."' 

Section XXXIl. In 1677, a controversy which 
had subsiyted for some time between the colony 
of Massachusetts and the heirs of Sir Ferdinando 
Gorges, relative to the province of Maine, was 
was settled in England, and the colony adjudged 
to Gorges' heirs. Upon this, Massachusetts pur- 
chased the title for one thousand two hundred 
pounds sterling, and the territory from that time 
till 1820, was a part of Massachusetts. 

Both the colony of Massachusetts, and the heirs of Gorges, 
claimed the province of Maine : the former by virtue of her 
patent of l628, which was construed as including that territory 
the claim of the latter was founded upon a charter granted to 
Gorges, in 1639. 

Section XXXIII. Two years after this adjust- 
ment ; viz. in 1679, a commission was made out, 



^8 PERIOD 11 1607....1689...SETTLEMENTS. 

by order of Charles II. for the separation of New-^ 
HampsHre from the jurisdiction of Massachu- 
setts, and its erection into a royal province. The 
form of government sent over by the king, or- 
dained a president and council to govern the 
province, with an assembly, &c. The assembly 
to be chosen by the people ; the president ai^.d 
council to be apponited by the crown. 

' In 1629, the PlyniDutii < onipany granted to John Mason rfae 
territory called New Hampshire. About the year l640, ine 
settlements now being considerable, the pr.tent holders agreed 
to assign their right ot jurisdictitmk) Massachusetts. The coSa 
ny of New-Hampshire, therefore, remain-d I'nder the gove»n 
ment of Massachusetts, until it was separated by the king's com 
mission, in l6T9. 

The first legislative assembly, under the above commission 
was convened March I6, ifiSO, when the colony oi l\ew-Hamp 
shire was declared to be independent of Massachusetts. This 
separation, however, was disagreeable to most of the people ; for 
near forty years they had enjoyed under Massachusetts the pri« 
vilege of choosing their own rulers, and had derived great peace 
and harmony from an ini partial government. Nor did this pro* 
vince long enjoy tranquillity. Mason, grandson of the Mason to 
whom New-Hani pship' had been orighiaUy granted, came ovt-r the 
next year, and demanded, by virtue of his claims to the soil, a 
seat in the council. This being gi anted, he soon after returned 
to England, and surrendered a part of his claims to the king, 
and mortgaged the remainder to Edward Cranfield, who wa« 
appointed lieutenant governonr, and shortly after repaired tc 
New-Hampshire. 

It is necessary to add, that the Rev. Mr. Wheelright ant 
others, in 1629, the same year that the grant was made to Ma 
son by the Plymouth company, bought of the Indians a larg*. 
tract of land in New-Hampshire. The same land was, there 
fore, claimed under both these grants, and the foundation thus 
laid of serious deputes in the colony. 

Cranfield, finding: it for his interest to favour the claim of Ma 
son to the province, soon called upon the inhabitants to (aketheii 
leases under him. Suits were instituted against all the land- 
holders who neglected this call, and the jurors being selected by 
Cranfield, and interested in the result,uniformly gave judgment 
against them. 

Under these oppressions, the people despatched an agent, 
with comolaints to his majesty* against the governour. After 



PERIOD II 1607....1689 .SETTLEMENTS. 59 

A hearing by the lords of trade, the iniquitous conduct of Cran 
fiehi was represented to the king, who recalled him. 

It may be proper to add, that the above controversy about 
Ine claims of Mason continued long to disturb the peace of the 
province, and was not finally terminated until the death of 
Samuel Allen, in 1715, to whom the heirs of Mason had sold 
their claim for seven hundred and fifty pounds ; upon his de- 
mise, no one appeared to renew the claims, and the question 
dropped. 

Section XXXIV. In 1681, King Charles II. 
granted to William Penn, son of Admiral Penn, 
in consideration of debts due the latter, for ser- 
vices done to the crown, the territory of Pennsyl- 
vania, so called after Penn himself. 

This patent encroached on the territory of Lord Baltimore 
in Maryland, one whole degree, or sixty-nine miles and a half; 
and on the north, nearly three hundred miles, across the whole 
territory conveyed to Connecticut in 1631,* and confirmed by 
the royal charter of 1(J62. Hence arose contentions between 
the colonies of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, about boundaries, 
that were not settled till a centurv after. Within a short time 
from the date of the grant by king Charles to Penn, two other 
conveyances were made to him by the duke of York. One was 
a bill of sale of New-Castle, and a territory of twelve miles 
around it. The other was a bill granting a tract south of the 
former, as far as Cape Henlopen. These two deeds embraced 
the whole state of Delaware. At this time, Delaware was di- 
vided into three counties, which, in 16C2, were annexed to 
Pennsylvania, although they had a separate assembly, in which 
the governour of Pennsylvania presided. 

The patent of king Charles to Penn provided for the king's 
sovereignty, and for obedience to British acts, regarding com- 
inerce. It gave power to the proprietor to assemble the freemen, 
or their delegates, as he should judge most convenient ; for 
!e>ying moneys and enacting laws, not contrary to the laws of 
England. 

In May, 1681, Penn sent one Markham, with a few others, 
to take possession, and prepare for a settlement. The next year, 
Penn published a form of government, by which the supreme 
power was lodged in a general assembly, to consist of a govem- 



♦ See page 34, wliere the boundaries of the territory granted to Connec- 
ticut are given. 



(^ PERIOD II....1&07....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

Our, council, and house of delegates. The council and house lo 
be chosen by the freemen. The proprietor and governour to 
preside, and to have a treble voice in the council, which was to 
consist of seventy-two members. 

It was also agreed, that every person of good moral character, 
professing his faith in Christ, should be a freeman, and capable 
of holding any office ; and that none who believed in one God, 
should be molested in his religion, or be compelled to attend, or 
maintain religious worship. 

In October, Penn, with two thousand planters, mostly Quakers, 
arrived at New-Castle. In December, he convoked an assem- 
bly ; but so few delegates appearing, he ordered, that instead of 
seventy-two, three members only should constitute the council, 
and nine the house of assembly. 

Penn now entered into a treaty with the Indians, of whom he 
purchased large tracts of territory ; at the same time, he com- 
menced the city of Philadelphia, which, in one year, increased to 
a hundred houses and cottages. 

Pennsylvania had a more rapid and prosperous settlement 
than any of the other colonies. This was doubtless owing part- 
ly to its healthful climate and fruitful soil, partly to the fact, 
that the great obstacles of settlement had been overcome by the 
other colonies, and partly to the religious tolerance, mildness, 
and equity, which characterized its laws, and their administra* 
tion. 

In l683, Penn, at the request of the freemen, granted them a 
new charter, by which eighteen persons were to form the coun- 
cil, and thirty-six the assembly. The next year, Penn himself 
returned to England. 

The lasting prosperity of Pennsylvania, the foundation of which 
must be traced to his wisdom and benevolence, is an eloquent 
culogium upon his character. 

Section XXXV. In the year 1684, June 18, 
an event highly interesting to the colony of Mas- 
sachusetts took place in England. This was a 
decision in the high court of chancery, that she 
had forfeited her charter, and that henceforth 
her government should be placed in the hands of 
the king. 

The person chiefly instrumental in bringing about this event 
was Edmund Randolph, a man who had long been the enemy 
of the colonies, and who, for several years, had filled the ears 
of the king with cun)plaints against them for violating the acts 
oftradew 




Indian Council, p. 18. 




Building of Jamestoron. p. 22. 



£ 



PERIOD II 1607....1689,...SETTLEMENTS. (n 

To answer to these complaints, Massachusetts repeatedly 
incurred the expense of sending agents to England, and of main- 
taining them there ; but his majesty would accept of no con- 
ditions, short of a surrender of her charter. As she would not 
make this surrender voluntariij'-, it was violently wrested from 
her. 

Before king Charles had time to adjust the af- 
fairs of the colony he died, and was succeeded 
by James II. Soon after his accession, similar 
proceedings took place against the other colonies 
Khode-Island submitted, and gave up her char- 
ter. Plymouth sent a copy of her charter to the 
king, with a humble petition that he would re- 
store it. Connecticut voted an address to his 
majesty, in which she prayed him to recall the 
writ that had been filed against her, and request- 
ed the continuance of her charter. 

The petitions and remonstrances of the colo- 
nies were, however, of no avail. Both the heart 
and hand of the king were manifestly against 
them. After all their hardships and dangers iii 
settling a wilderness, they had no other prospect 
before them than the destruction of their dearest 
rights, and no better security of life, liberty, and 
property, thnn the capricious will of a tyrant. 

In pursuance of this cruel policy towards the 
colonies, two years after the charter of Massachu- 
setts was vacated, king James commissioned 
and sent out Sir Edmund Andross as goverriour 
of all New-England, Plymouth excepted. ' He 
amved at Boston, Dec. 20, 1686. 

The commencement of his administration was 
comparatively auspicious. In a few months, 
however, the fair prospect was changed. Among 
other arbitrary acts, restraints were laid upon 
the freedom of the press, and marriage contracts. 
The liberty to worship in the congregational 



(J2 PERIOD II....1607....1G89....SETTLEMENTS. 

way was threatened, and the fees of all officers 
of government were exorbitantly and oppressive- 
ly enhanced. 

In October, Sir Edmund, and suite, with a guard of about 
sixty regular troops, went to Hartford, where the assembly of 
Connecticut was in session. He entered the house of the as- 
st mbly, demanded the charter of Connecticut, and declared the 
colonial government to be dissolved. 

Extremely reluctant to surrender the charter, the assemb y 
rtitentionally protracted its debates till evening, when the char 
eer was brought in, and laid on the table. — Upon a preconcerted 
signal, the lights were at once extinguished, and a Capt. Wads- 
worth, seizing the charter, hastened away under cover of night, 
and secreted it in the hollow of an oak. The candles, which 
nad been extinguished, were soon relighted without disorder ; 
out the charter had disappeared. Sir Edmund, however, as- 
sumed the government, and the records of the colony were 
closed. 

The condition of the New-England colonies 
was now distressing, and as the administration 
of Androeg was becoming still more severe and 
oppressive, the future seemed not to promise al- 
leviation. But Providence was invisibly prepar- 
ing the way for their relief. Nov. 5th, 1688, 
William, Prince of Orange, who married Mary, 
daughter of James II. landed at Torbay, in Eng- 
land, and, compelling James II. to leave tihe 
kingdom, assumed the crown, being proclaim- 
ed Feb. 16th, 1689, to the general joy of the 
nation 



Section XXXVI. jHanuevs^ of tftc (STO^s 

lOUi!5it^« In the colonies of North America, 
at the close of this period, three varieties of cha- 
racter mighic be distinguished. In New- England, 
the strict puritanical notions of the people wrought 
a correspondent austerity upon the manners of 
society. Placing implicit faith in the Scriptures, 
they moulded their government, and shaped pri- 
vate character and morals upon a severe and li- 
teral construction of them. They were devoal 
— patriotic — industrious — ^and pubhc spirited ; 
and though of a grave, reflecting exterior, they 
often showed that shrewd inquisitiveness and 
keen relish of a jest, which are still character- 
istic of the New-Englanders. 

Tiie laws of the colonies throw some light on the views and 
manners of the people. - As examples, in 1 Cr39, the drinking ol 
healths was prohibited by law in Massachusetts. In 1 651, the 
legislature of tliat colony prohibited all persons whose " estate 
did not exceed two hundred pounds, from wearing any gold or 
silver lace, or any bone lace above two shillings per yard " The 
law authorized the selectmen to take notice of tlie costliness and 
fashion of the " apparel of the people, especially in the wearing 
of ribands and great boots." The New-Haven colony, in 1639, 
resolved that they would be governed by the rules of Scripture ; 
and that church members only should act in the civil affairs of 
the Plantation. 

In 1647, the colony of Connecticut expressed their disappro- 
bation of the use of tobacco, by an act of assembly, in which it 
was ordered, " that no person under the age of twenty years, nor 
any other that hath already accustomed himself to the use thereof, 
shall take any tobacco, until he shall have brought a certificate 
from under the hand of some who are appioved for knowledge 
and skill in physic, that it is useful for him ; and also that he 
hath received a lirensp from the court for the same. All others, 
who had addicted themselves to the use <jf tobacco, were, by the, 
same court, prohibited taking it in any corap.my, or at their la- 
bours, or on their travels, unless they v.'ere ten miles at least 
from any house, or more than once a day, though not in com- 



64 PERIOD II 1607 1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

pany, on pain of a fine of sixpence for each time ; to be proved 
by one substantial witness. The constable in each town to 
make presentment of such transgressions to the particular court, 
and upon conviction, the fine to be paid without gainsaying." 

In the Colony of New-York, during this period, the manners 
of the colonists were strictly Dutch — with no other modifications 
than the privations of a new country, and the tiew Clnglisli 
among them, necessarily effected. The same steadfast pursuit 
of wealth ; the same plodding industry ; the same dress, air, and 
physiognomy, which art' given as characteristic of Holland, 
were equally characteristic of the inhabitants of New-Amster- 
dam. 

In Virginia^ the manners of the colonists were 
those of the less rigid English, rendered still 
more free and voluptuous by the influence of a 
softer climate and a more prolific soil. 

Slith says of the first settlers of this colony, that some emi- 
grated " to escape a worse late at home ;" others, it is said, 
sought to repair fortunes by emigration, which had been ruined 
by excess. Many persons, however, of high character, were 
among the emigrants, and amidst the licentiousness of the Vir- 
ginian colony ,v-ere found, at the close of this period, the seeds 
(•1 that frankness, hospitality, taste, and refinement, which dis- 
tinguish the people of the South at this day. 

Other national peculiarities might be noticed, as those of the 
I'ins in Delaware, those of the Quakers in Pennsylvania, &c. ; 
but at this period they were too limited to require a distinct no- 
tice in our work. 

Section XXXYII. l^cngion : The colony of 
Virginia, from its earliest existence, was exclu- 
sively devoted to the Church of England. 

>- For several years, its unsettled state prevented that attention 
to a religious estaldishmeot, which afterwards the subject receiv- 
ed. At the expiration of thirteen years from the founding of 
the colony, there were but eleven parishes, and five ministers ; 
the inhabitants of the colony did not at this time, however, much 
exceed two thousand persons. 

In 1621, the colony received a large accession to its numoers, 
and the governour and council were instructed " to take into 
special regard the service of Almighty God, and the observance 
of his divine laws ; and that the people should be trained up 
in true religion and virtue." At the same time, the Virginia 
Company ordered a hundred acres of land, in each of the bo- 
roughs, to be laid oft' for a glebe, and two hundred pounds ster 



PERIOD II 1607 1689....SETTLEMENTS. 65 

ling to be raised, as a standing and certain revenue out of the 
profits of p?ch parish, to make a living: this stipend was thus 
settled — that the minister shall receive yearly five hundred 
pounds of tobacco, and sixteen barrels of corn ; which were col 
lectively estimated at two hundred pounds sterling. In lG42, 
the assembly passed a law proliibiting all, but those who had 
been ordained by English bishops, from preaching. 

In 1650, during the time of governour Berklev, the parishes 
of the colony were further regulated, the religion of the church 
of England was confirmed and established, and provision made 
for the support of the ministers. The maintenance of a minister 
was put at sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco, which as valued, 
at that time, at ten shillings per hundred, was about eighty 
pounds sterling. But in addition to this, he had a dwelling house 
and glebe ; also four himdred pounds of tobacco, or forty shil- 
lings for a funeral sermon, and two hundred pounds of tobacco, 
or twenty shillings for performing marriage by license, or five 
shillings when the banns were proclaimed. The tobacco des- 
tined for the minister was brought to him, well packed in hogs- 
heads, prepared for shipping. To raise this crop, twelve ne- 
groes were necessary. 

The special object of the New-England planters, in settling 
the country, was the enjoyment of their religious opinions, and 
the free exercise of religious worship, without molestation. 
Early attention was, therefore, paid to the gathering of churches, 
and the regulation of religion. They were Calvinists in doc- 
trine, and Congregational in discipline. 

Each church maintained its right to govern itself. They held 
to the validity of Presbyterian ordination, and the expediency 
of synods on great occasions. From the commencement, they 
used ecclesiastical councils, convoked by particular churches 
for advice, but not for the judicial determination of controver- 
sies. 

In each of the churches there was a pastor, teacher, ruling 
elder, and deacons. The pastor's office consisted principally 
in exhortation ; upon the teacher devolved the business of ex- 
plaining and defending the doctrines of Christianity. The busi- 
ness of the ruling elder was to assist the pastor in the govern- 
ment of the church. 

Early provision was made for the support of the ministry. 
On the arrival of the colonists of Massachusetts Bay, at Charles- 
town, before landing, a court of assistants was held, and the first 
question proposed was. How shcdl the ministers be maintained ? 
The court ordered that houses be built, and salaries be raised 
for them at the public charge. Their two ministers, Mr. Phil- 
•fps, and Mr. Wilson, were granted a salary— The former thirty 

6* 



QQ ' PERIOD II....1607....1689 ...SETTLEMENTS. 

pounds per annum, and the latter twenty pounds, until the ar- 
rival of Ids wife. 

After the settlement of the several colonies, all persons were 
obliged by law to contribute to the support of the church. Spe- 
cial care was taken that all persons should attend public wor- 
ship. In Connecticut the law obliged them to be present on the 
Lord's day — on all days of public fasting, and thanksgiving, 
appointed by civil authority, on penalty of five shillings, for 
every instance of neglect. 

By the year 1642, twenty-two years from the landing of the 
pilgrims at Plymouth, there had been settled in New-England, 
seventy-seven ministers, who were driven from the parent coun- 
try, fifty towns and villages had been planted, and thirty or forty 
churches gathered. 

In 1637, the first synod convened in America, sat at Newtown, 
Massachusetts, and was composed of all the teaching elders 
in the country, and messengers of the several churches. Ma- 
gistrates also were present, and spoke as they thought fit. The 
object of calling this synod was to inquire into the opinions of 
one Ann Hutchinson, a very extraordinary woman, who held 
public lectures in Boston, and taught doctrines considered here- 
tical. The whole colony was agitated and divided into parties. 
The synod, after a session of three v/eeks, condemned eighty-two 
erroneous opinions wliich had become disseminated in New 
England. 

The Dutch Reformed Church was introduced 
into New-York with the first settlers, and was 
generally embraced by the Dutch population of 
that colony. 

The Roman Catholics first came to America 
in 1632 ; they settled in Maryland, and now con- 
stitute a respectable and numerous portion of the 
inhabitants of that state. 

The first Baptist church in America was form- 
ed at Providence in 1639. Their sentiments 
spreading into Massachusetts, in 1651, the ge- 
neral court passed a law against them, inflicting 
banishment for persisting in the promulgation of 
their doctrines. 

In 1656, the Qtmkers making their appearance 



PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 67 

in Massachusetts, the legislature of that colony 
passed severe laws against them. 

No master of a %'essel was allowed to bring any one of this 
sect into its jurisdiction, on penalty of one hundred pounds. 
Other still Severer penalties were inflicted upon them in 1657, 
such as cutting their ears, and boring their tongues with a hot 
iron, &c. They were at length banished on pain of death, and 
four, refusing to go, were executed in 1659. 

Without intending to justify these severities towEird the Bap- 
tists, ioiuakers, and other sectaiies, it is still proper to state, as 
some apology for them, that the conduct of the leaders of these 
sects was often calculated, and no doubt designed, to provoke 
persecution. They sought improper occasions to inculcate their 
peculiar tenets — departed unnecessarily from the decencies of 
social intercourse, and rudely inveighed against established and 
cherished opinions. In this way the peace of the colonies was 
disturbed, and that unanimity of religious sentiment which had 
hitherto existed, was broken. Our forefathers sought to avert 
these evils by the arm of civil power ; not yet having learnt that 
persecution is a ready way to propagate the sentiments of the 
persecuted. 

In the year l646, a synod met at Cambridge, which, by ad- 
journment, protracted its session to lG48, when it dissolved. 
This synod composed and adopted the " Cambridge Platform," 
and recommended it, together with the Westminster Confession 
of Faith, to the General Court and to the churches. In this sy- 
nod were present the ministers and churches of Connecticut, 
and New-PIaven, who united in the form of discipline which it 
recommended. This, in connexion with the ecclesiastical laws, 
was the religious constitution of Connecticut, until the compila- 
tion of the Saybrook Platform, a period of about sixty years. 

Section XXXVIII. S^tatTC UUtf COttf= 

Wlf trtt- The colonies, during this period, had 
little other trade than with England, though the 
West-India trade had begun, and there was some 
commerce with Canada, and a few ports on the 
European continent. The colonies imported 
from England all their merchandise ; and ex- 
ported thither tobacco, peltry, and atlength some 
beef, pork, grain, and fish. The importations 
from England, however, much exceeded the ex- 
ports thither 



68 PERIOD II 1607....1689.,..SETTLEMENTS. 

During the first thirty years of the colony of Virginia, their ex- 
ports were confined to tobacco. But the price of it fell at length 
from three shillings and sixpence per pound, to twenty shillings 
per hundred, in consequence of which, a trade was opened with 
the frontier Indians, and the five Nations. The skins of the deer, 
elk, and buffalo, and the furs of the (Uter, hare, fox, muskrat, 
and beaver, were procured for rum, hatchets, blankets, &c. 
These skins and furs were exported to England. English grain 
and Indian corn were also exported to a considerable extent. 
Although the Virginians owned a lew vessels, the greater part 
of the trade was carried on by English vessels, during this pe- 
riod. They brought to the colony English manufactures, and 
took tobacco, furs, skins, grain, tar, pitch, &c. in return. The 
Virginians also carried on some trade with Canada. 

Ilie principal article of export from iSew-England doring 
this period was peltry, which was procured of the Indians for 
goods of small value. In l639, a fishing trade was begun at 
Cape Anne, and in 1641, three hundred thousand codfish were 
sent to market. 

The first vessel directly from t!ie West Indies was a Dutch 
ship of i 60 tons, which arrived at Marblehead, l635. The 
first American vessel that went to the West Indies was a pin- 
nace of thirty tons, in 1636. The ship Desire of Salem made 
a voyage in l638 to New-Providence and Tortuga, and returned 
laden with cotton, tobacco, salt, and negroes. This was the 
first introduction of African slaves into New-England. The 
first importation of indigo, and sugar, from the West Indies, 
"mentioned in our accounts, was made in 1639. In 1642, a 
Dutch ship exchanged a cargo of salt for plank and pipe staves, 
the exports of lumber from Ne\v-England. The next year, 
eleven ships sailed for the V/est Indies with lumber. 

In l67'S, the annual exports of the New-York colony, besides 
beef, pork, tobacco, and peltiy, were about sixty thousand bushels 
of wheat. About ten or fifteen vessels on ^n average of one 
hundred tons, English and Colonial, traded to this colony in a 
year. 

Section XXXIX. ^frtCttltUtt* Early at- 
tention was paid to agriculture. The first busi- 
ness of the settlers, was to clear the forests and 
supply themselves with food from the soil. But 
the fertility of the earth taught them soon to look 
to agriculture as a source of wealth, as well as ol 
subsistence. It therefore became the leading 
object of industry in the colonies. 



PERIOD II....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 69 

The method adopted by the first settlers to clear the land was 
very slow and laborious, compared with the presem modes. 
They used generally to cut down the trees and dig up the 
stumps, before tillage. 

Tobacco was early cultivated in Virginia, and soon began to be 
exported. The year alter the colony landed, the people gather- 
ed corn of their own planting, the seed of which they received of 
the Indians. Vineyards were attempted, and experienced vine- 
dressers were sent over for the purpose of taking care of them. 
Flax, hemp, barley, &c. were cultivated to a considerable ex- 
tent. Rye was first raised in iMassachusetts, in 1633. Ploughs 
were early introduced into the country. 

The first neat cattle, ever brought into New-England, were 
introduced by Mr. VVinslow, in 1624. In 1629, one hundred 
and forty head of cattle, some horses, sheep, and goats, were 
brought to Massachusetts Bay. In a few years they became 
so numerous as to supply all the wants of the inhabitants. In 
1623, the cattle in Virginia hdd increased to above onetliousand 
head. 

New- York raised considerable beef and pork for exportation, 
and in 1678, they exportj^d sixty thousand bushels of wheat. 

Section XL. ^tts auU ^tianttfacttttes* 

The colonists, during this period, being chiefly 
ocfupied in gaining a t^ubsistence, and in protect- 
ing themselves against their enemies, had occa- 
sion for few articles beyond the necessaries and 
comforts of life. Arts and manufactures could, 
therefore, receive but little encouragement, be- 
yond the construction of such articles, and even 
those were principally imported. 

In 1620, one hundred and fifty persons came from England 
to Virginia to carry on the manufactuie of silks, iron, potash, tar, 
pitch, glass, salt, &c. but they did not succeed. In 1673, Chal 
mer says of New-England, " There be five iron works which 
cast no guns — no house in New-England has above twenty 
rooms — not twenty in Boston have ten rooms each — a dancing 
school was set up here, but put down — a fencing school is al- 
lowed. There be no musicians by trade. All cordage, sail- 
cloth, and mats, come from England — no cloth made there worth 
four shillings per yard — no alum, no copperas, no salt, made by 
their sun." 

The first buildings of the settlers were made of logs and thatch 
ed, or were built of stone. Brick and framed bouses were soon 



^0 PERIOD IL...1607.. .1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

built in the larger towns, and afterwards in the villages. The frames 
nnd brick were, however, in some instances, imported. The first 
mill in New-England was a wind-mill, near Watertown, but it 
Was taken down in 1632, and placed in the vicinity of Boston. 
Water-mills began to be erected the next year. The first at- 
tempt to build water-craft, in New-England, was at Plymouth, 
in 1626. A house carpenter sawed their largest boat intit two 
parts, and lengthened it five or six feet, built a deck, and rigged 
it into a convenient vessel, which did service for seveii years. 
The first vessel, built in Massachusetts, was a bark in ifiSl, 
called The Blessing of the Bay. In 1633, a ship of sixty tons 
was built at Medfnrd. In 1 QSC:), one of one hundred and twenty 
cons was built at Marblehead. In, 1 641, a ship of three hun- 
dred tons was launched at Salem, and one of one hundred and 
sixty tons at Boston. From this time ship building rapidly ex- 
tended in the northern colonies. 

The hr St p7rnting in New- England, was done in l639, by one 
Day. The proprietor of the press, was a clergyman, by the 
name of Glover who died on Wn prissage to America. The first 
thing printed was th Freeman's ()ath, the second an Almanack, 
and the third an edition jf the Psalms. No other printing 
press was established in America, during this period. John 
Elliot, the celebrated missionary, having translated the bible 
into the Indian language, had it printed at Cambridge in I664. 

The mode of tiavelling considerable distances was on foot or 
on horseback, there being no carriages for that purpose, and the 
roads from one village to another being only narrow foot-paths, 
through forests. 

Sectiofi XLl. ||0|Jiillti^n. We may esti- 
mate the population of the English American co- 
lonies at the close of this period at nbout 200,000. 

It is impossible to ascertain very exactly the population of 
the American colonies at the close of this period. The estimates 
made by writers are vague, and often contradictory. The esti 
mate of Dr. Humphries in 1 7<'l, which seems as well entitled to 
credit as any other, is as follows ; 





Souls. 




Souls. 


Massachusetts, 


70,000 


New-York, 


30,000 


Connecticut, 


30,000 


Jerseys, 


15,000 


Rhode-Island, 


10,000 


Pennsylvania, 


20,000 


New-Hampshire, 


10,000 


Maryland, 


25,000 






Virginia, 


40,ooa 



PERIOD II — 1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 71 



New-England, J 20,000 

Mid. and S. Colonies, 142,000 

Total, 262,000 



JN'onn Carolina, 5,000 

Soutli Carolina, 7,000 

142,000 



Making a deduction from this account, so as to bring the esti- 
mate to the close of our period, we state the whole white popu 
lation ot the English American colonies in 1689? at about two 
hundred thousand. 

Section XLII. fEtTUtatiOtl* In New-Eng- 
land schools were founded at the outset of the 
colonies for the education of all classes : in the 
southern colonies, provisions for the education 
of the higher classes only were attempted during 
this period. 

Scarcely had the American colonists opened the forests, and 
constructed habitations, before they directed their attention to 
the oDJect of education. 

Previously to I6l9, the king of England authorized the col- 
lection of monies throughout the kingdom to erect a col- 
lege in Virginia, for the education of Indian children ; one 
thousand five hundred pounds were collected for this purpcxse, 
and Henrico was selected as a suitable place for the seminary. 
The same year, the Virginia company granted ten thousand 
acres of land for the projected university. — This donation, while 
it embraced the original object, was intended also for the foun- 
dation of a seminary of learning for English scholars. 

In addition to a college, the colonists, in l621, instituted a 
<chool at Charles' city for the benefit of all the colony, which 
ihey called the East India School. For the maintenance of the 
master and usher, one thousand acres of land were appropriated, 
with five servants and an overseer. — From this schoov, pupils 
were to be transferred to the college at Henrico, when the latter 
should be sufficiently endowed. These establishments in Vir- 
gmia, however, failed of success, and in 1692, their funds were 
given to William and Mary's college, which we shall notice 
hereafter. 

Still more attentive to education were the northern colonies. 
In 1630, a greneral court of Massachusetts Bay appropriated the 
sura of four hundred pounds towards the commencement of a 
college. In 1 637, the college was located at Newtown, which, 
not long after, was called Cambridge, in memory of Cambridge 
-D England, where many of the colonists had received their edu- 
cation. Mr. John Harvard, a worthy minister, dying at 



7^ PERIOD II.....1607....1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

Charlestown about this time, bequeathed nearly eiglit hundred 
pounds to the college, in consideration of which legacy, it was 
called after him. In 1642 was held the first commencement, at 
which nine were graduated. 

To this institution, the plantations of Connecticut and New- 
Haven, so long as they remained unable to support a similai 
one at home, contributed funds from the publick purse ; and sent 
to it such of their youth as they wished to be educated. Pri 
vate subscriptions were also made from the united colonies to 
aid the institution. 

Great attention was also paid by all the colonies to the sub- 
ject of common schools. As a specimen of the arrangements 
common to the New-England colonies, we may notice those of 
Connecticut. By her first code, in 1639, only six years from 
the time the first house was erected within the colony, it was 
ordered that every town, consisting of fifty families, should main- 
tain a good school, in which reading and writing should be well 
taught, and that in every county town a good grammar school 
should be instituted. Large tracts of land were appropri- 
ated by the legislature as a permanent support of these schools, 
and the selectmen of every town were required to see that all 
heads of families instructed their children and servants to read 
the English tongue well. 

MttUttiom. 

XLIII. At the commencement of this period, our history pre- 
sented us with a continent, over whose surface an interminable 
wilderness had for ages cast its deep and solemn shade If we 
approach the shore, and look through the gloom that gathers 
over it, the scenes which strike the eye are Indians at tlieir wat 
dance, or perhaps flames curling round some expiring captive, 
or wild beasts mangling their prey. 

Passing from this point of time to the close of our period, a 
space of eighty-two years, the prospect is greatly changed. We 
710W see smiling fields and cheerful villages in the place of dis- 
mal forests ; instead of beasts of prey, we see grazing herds ; 
instead of the kindling faggot, we witness the worship of Jesus 
Christ ; and instead of the appalling war whoop, we listen to 
the grateful songs of David. In the beautiful words of scripture, 
the wilderness has begun to blossom as the rose, and the desert 
is becoming vocal with the praises of God. 

But how is it that a change so wonderful has been brought 
to pass ? We have indeed seen the hardy spirit of enterprise 
leaving the luxuries of Europe, and plunging into the forests of 




Pocahontas saving Captain Smith, jj. 27. 




^ First Colonial Assembly in Virginia, p. 33. 



PERIOD II 1607 1689....SETTLEMENTS. 

America. But we have also seen our forefathers struggling with 
difficulties, and often trembling on the very brink of ruin. We 
have seen them amidst Indian war, desolating famine, and pes- 
tilence ; and we have wondered after the storm has passed, to 
see them rise with renovated strength, and seem to gather power 
and advantage from circumstances calculated to overwhelm 
them. 

Admitting then, the extraordinary energy, wisdom, enterprise, 
and hardihood of the first settlers of America, still we are driven 
to the admission of a benign providence working in their far 
vour, and mysteriously establishing their strength and security, 
by exercising them for years with danger, trial, and misfortune. 

Nor are these the only considerations which excite our admi- 
ration, in regard to the first settlers of North America. Al- 
though, in the eloquent words of Mr. Walsh, " It was their pe- 
culiar lot, at one and the same time, to clear and cultivate a wil- 
derness ; to erect habitations and procure sustenance ; to struggle 
with a new and rigorous climate ; to bear up against all the bit- 
ter recollections inseparable from distant and lonely exile ; to 
defend their liberties from the jealous tyranny and bigotry ot 
the mother country ; to be perpetually assailed by a savage foe, 
the most subtle and the most formidable of any people on the 
face of the earth :" — still, they looked forward to the welfare ol 
future generations — laid broad and deep foundations for religious 
institutions — made the most careful provisions for learning, and 
enacted wholesome laws, the benefit of which is distinctly felt 
to this day. 

In our introduction, we have remarked that history shows the 
influence of the manners of a people Upon their govenunent, 
and the reciprocal influence of government upon the manners of 
a people. The history of this period furnishes striking exam« 
pies of this. In Virginia, the free and licentious manners of so> 
dety produce a government unsteady and capricious. This eo- 
vernment re-acts upon their manners, and aids rather than cnecks 
their licentiousness. On the contrary, in New-England, the se- 
vere puritanical manners of the people produce a rigid, energet- 
ick government, and this government returns its puritanical in- 
fluence back upon the manners of the peopie. 

7 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR THE WARS OF KING WILLIAM, 
QUEEN ANNE, AND GEORGE II. 

Extending from the accession of William and 
Mary to the throne of England, 1689, to the 
Declaration of the War by England against 
France^ 1756, called " the French and Indian 
War.'' 

Section I. The news of William's accession 
to the throne of England, filled the colonies with 
ecstacy. Under the sudden impulse of their 
feelings, the inhabitants .of Boston seized Sir 
Edmund Andross, with about fifty of his associ- 
ates, and put them in close confinement, where 
they lay, until ordered to England, to answer for 
male-administration. Connecticut and Rhode- 
Island immediately resumed their charters, and 
were permitted by his majesty to re-establish 
their former governments. Massachusetts soon 
after obtained a new charter, in some respects 
less favourable to the colony, but in others, more 
so, than its former one. 

Andross had formerly been governour of New- 
York, under the duke of York, in which province 
his administration had been distinguished for 
measures both arbitrary and severe. Subsequent 
governours, under the duke, and after he came 
to the throne, had generally pursued a similar 
course. The discontents of the people had been 



PERIOD IIL...1689....175R ^5 

gradually increasing, and they were ready for 
revfflution, when the above intelligence of the 
proceedings at Boston arrived. A revolution 
soon commenced, and, although attended by un- 
happy events, issued in the restoration (^t the 
rights of the people, and the formation oi a con- 
stitution, which laid the foundation of their pro- 
vincial code. 

From the reduction of New- York, in 1664, to 1683, t<he peo- 
ple had no share in the government. In l68l, the council court 
of assizes, and corporation, had solicited the duke oJ York to 
permit the people to choose their own rulers. Accordmgly, the 
next year, Thomas Dongan, a papist, was appointed givem- 
our, with instructions to call an assembly, to consist of a coun- 
cil oi ten, and of eighteen representatives, elected by the free- 
holders. 

On the accession of the duke of York to the throne, under the 
title of James II. he retused to confirm to the people the pnvi. 
leges granted them when he was duke. No assembly was per- 
muted to be convened ; printing presses werr pmhibitpd, anJ 
the more important provincial ofiicps were conferred on papists. 

Such was the state of things, when intelligence of the seizure 
of Andross arrived. 'I'his gave a spring to the general dissatis- 
faction, which burst forth into open resistance to the existing ad- 
ministration. 

One Jacob Leisler, with several others, immediately took pos- 
session of the fort. Govf rnour Dongan had just embarked for 
Endand, leaving the administration of the government, during 
his absence, to Charles Nicholson, at that time his deputy. 
Nicholson and his officers made what opposition to Leisler tuey 
were able, but he having beer, joined by six militia captains, 
and four hundred and seventy men, Nicholson absconded. Upon 
this, I^eisler assumed the supreme command. 

This assumption of Leisler was far from being pleasant to 
the council and magistrates, at the head of whom were Col. Bay- 
ard and the mayor. Findiiiir it impossibl'*, however, to suc- 
ceed against Leisler in New- York, they retired (c> Albany, and 
there employed thHr influence to foment opposition. Both Leis- 
ler, in New-Yoik, and the people at Albany, held their respect- 
iv» u^arrisons in the name nf William and Mary, but neither 
w i:ld submit to the authority of the other. 

In this state of things, a letter from the lords Carmathei. and 
Halifax, arrived, directed, " To Francis Nicholson, Esq. or in 



76 THREE WARS OP WM. III.,..ANNE....GEO. II. 

his absence, to such as, for the time being, take care for preserv- 
ing the peace and administering the laws, Sec. Accompany- 
ing tnis letter, was another of a subsequent date, vesting Nichol- 
son with the chief command. 

As Nicholson had absconded, Leisler construed the letter as 
directed to himself, and from that time assumed the title and au- 
thority of lieutenant governour. The southern part of New- 
York generally submitted to lim ; but Albany refusing subjec- 
tion, Milbo .1, his son-in-law, was sent to reduce them. In his 
first attempt he failed ; but during the ensuing spring, 169O, he 
took possession of the fort, find the inhabitants submitted. 

On the 19th of March, I691, Col. Slaughter arrived at New- 
York, in the capacity of the king's governour. Nicholson and 
Bayard, vho had been imprisoned by Leisler, were released. 
The tatter was obliged to abandon the fort, and with Milbom, 
his son-in-law, was apprehended, tried for high treason, and 
condemned. Their immediate execution was urged by the peo- 
ple ; but the governour, fearful of consequences, chose to delei 
rt. I'o effect their purpose, an invitation was given him by the 
citizens to a sumptuous feast, and while his reason was drowned 
in intoxication, a warrant for their execution was presented to 
him and signed. Before he recovered his senses, the prisoners 
were no more. 

Measures so violent gieatly agitated the existing panics, but 
in the end, the revolution which had taken place, restored the 
rights of Englishmen to the colony, (iovernour Slaughter con- 
voked an assembly, who formed n constitution. This consti- 
lution, among oilier provisions, stcured trials by jury, freedom 
from taxation, except by the consent of the assembly, and tole 
ration to all denominations of ('hristians, exceptmg Roman Ca- 
tholicks. 

Section II. While theKsetroubles were distress- 
ing the colonies of the north, that of Carolina, 
in the south, was far from being in a state of 
tranquillity. Dissen.^ions early arose in that co- 
lony respecting the proprietary government, un- 
der which they still continued. On the one hand, 
a part of the people insisted upon implicit obe- 
dience to all the laws and regulations of the pro- 
prietors in England : while another part contend- 
ed, on the other hand, that no such obedience 
was due Both parties being ardent and deter 



P£RIOD III....16S9....1756. 77 

mined, the conflict between them was violent, 
and greatly prolonged, to the serious injury of 
the colony. 

In addition to these dissensions, others arose 
between the English settlers, and a colony of 
French Protestants who had planted themselves 
in the county of Craven ; to whom the English 
denied nearly every civil privilege, and especially 
the right of representation in the assembly. 

In view of these accumulating troubles, John 
Archdale, one of the proprietors, was sent to 
America in 1695, with full powers to redress 
grievances, and, if possible, to adjust existing 
differences. 

Archdale was received with cordiality, and by 
his singular wisdom and address, was so happy 
as to accomplish the purposes of his mission, ex- 
cept that he was unable fully to secure the rights 
and liberties of the French refugees. Not long 
after, however, the prejudices of the English 
against them abated, and they became incorpo- 
rated with the freemen of the colony. 

Section III. About this period, 1692, commenc- 
ed in Danvers, then a part of Salem, Massachu- 
setts, a singular infatuation on the supposed pre- 
valence of witchcraft. In a short time, this infa- 
tuation pervaded several parts of New-England, 
producing, in its progress, the greatest distress 
in private families and disorder and tumult 
throughout the country. 

The first suspicion of witchcraft in New-England, and in the 
United States, began at Springfield, Massachusetts, as earky as 
1645. Several persons, about that time, were accused, tried, 
and executed in Massachusetts ; one at Charlestown, one at 
Dorchester, one at Cambridge, and one at Boston. For sdmost 
thirty years afterwards the subject rested. But in 1687 or 1688, 
it was revived in Boston ; four of the children of John Goodwin 
uniting in accusing a poor Irish woman with bewitching thrm. 

7* 



78 PERIOD ni..,.lG89....l7Si. 

Unhappily the accusation was regarded with attention, and the 
woman was tried and executed. 

Near the close of February, 1692, the subject was again re- 
vived, in consequence of several children in Danvers, Salem, be- 
ginning to act in a peculiar and unaccountable manner. Their 
strange conduct* continuing for several days, their friends be- 
took themselves to fasting and prayer. During religious exer- 
cises it was found that the children were generally decent and 
still ; but after service was ended, they renewed their former 
inexplicable conduct. This was deemed sufficient evidence that 
they were labouring under the influence of witchcraft. 

At the expiration of some days, the children began to accuse 
several persons in the neighbciurhood of bewitching them. Un 
fortunately they were credited, and the suspected authors of th» 
spell, were seiiied and imprisoned. 

From this date, the awful mania rapidly spread into the neigh 
bou'-ing country, and soon fippeared in various parts of Essex 
Middlesex, and Suffolk. Persons at Andover, Ipswich, Glou- 
cester, Boston, and several other places, were accused by theii 
neighbours and others. 

For some time, the victims were selected only from the lower 
classes. But at length the accusations fell upon persons of the 
most respectable rank. In August, Mr. George Boroughs, some 
time minister in Salem, was accused, brought to trial, and con- 
demned. Accusations were also brought against Mr. English, 
a respectable merchant in Salem, and his wife; against Messrs. 
Dudley and John Bradstrcot, sons of the then late governour 
Bradstreet ; against the wife of Mr. Hale, and the lady of Sir 
William Phipps. 

The evil had now become awfully alarming. One man, named 
Giles Corey, had been pressed to death for lefusing to put him- 



* The manner in which those who were supposed to he afflicted with 
this malady were exercised, is thus described hy Cotton Mather in his 
Magnalia. " Sometimes they were deaf, sometimes dumb, sometimes 
blind, and often all this ot once. Their tongues would he drawn down 
their throats, and then pulled out upon their chins to a prodigious 'ength. 
Their mouths were forced open to such a widcness that their jaws went 
oTit of joint ; and anon would clap together again with a force like that of 
a spring lock ; and the like would happen to their shoulder-blades, and 
their elbows, and their hand-wrists, and several of their joints. Some- 
times they would be benumbed, and be drawn violently together, and pre- 
sently stretched out and drawn back. They complained that they were 
cut with knives and struck with blows, and the prints of the wounds were 
seen upon them." We cannot believe that all this actually took place ; 
probably the persons were singularly affected, and the excited fancies oi 
' 'i^sc who looked on, added the rest of the picture. 



PERIOD I1I....1689....175S. 79 

self on trial by jury ; and nineteen persons had been executed, 
more than one third of whom were members of the church. 
One hundred and fiity were in prison, and two hundred were 
accused. 

At length the inquiry was anxiously suggested, where will 
this accumulating mischief and misery end ? A conviction be- 
gan to spread that the proceedings had been rash and indetien- 
sible. A special court was held on the subject, and fifty who 
were brought to trial, were acquitted, excepting three, who were 
afterwards reprieved by the governour. These events were fol- 
lowed by a general release of those who had been imprisoned, 
" Thus the cloud," says the late President Dwight, " which had 
so long hung over the colony, slowly and sulltuly retired ; and 
like the darkness of Egypt, was, to the great joy of the distress- 
ed inhabitants, succeeded by serenity and sunshine."* 

We, who live to look back upon this scene, are wont to con* 
template, with wonder, the seeming madness and infatuation, not 
of tlie weak, illiterate, and unprincipled : but of men of sense, 
education, and fervent piety. Let us consider, however, that 
at this period, the actual existence of witchcraft was taken for 
granted, and that doubts respecting it were deemed little less 
than heresy. The learned Baxter, who lived at this time in 
England, where the same notions on this subject prevailed, pro- 
nounced the disbeliever in witchcraft, an " obdurate Sadducee ;'* 
and Sir Matthew Hale, one of the brightest ornaments of the 
English bench, repeatedly tried and condemned those as crimi* 
nals, who were accused of witchcraft. 

The human mind is prone to superstition, and more or less of 
it prevails in every country, even in those which are civilized 
and refined, and upon which divine revelation sheds its light. 
In the case of the people of Essex, where this delusion chiefly 
prevailed, there were circumstances existing which did not exist 
in England. They had lived for some years among the savageSj 
had heard their narratives of Hobbamocko, or the devil, of his 
frequent appearance to them, of their conversations with him, 
and of his sometimes carrying them off. Every village was tlie 
theatre of some such scenes, and stories of mystery and won- 
der, heightened by imagination, went the rounds during their 
winter evenings, confirmed their opinions, roused their adniira-! 
tion, and furnished materials for approaching terrours. 

The circumstances attendiiig the first strange appearances 
were also unfortunate, and powerfully tended to give them cur- 
rency. The family of a minister, who was himself credulouS| 



♦D wight's Trayels. 



80 THREE WARS OF VVM. III...J^NE....GEO. IL 

and with whom an Indian and his wli-' lived, were first affected. 
The opinions of the Indians were d* ••med iniportani, as they 
were supposed to be adepts in the science of witchcraft. Added 
to this, tht- physician of the viliagt' cuiicurred in the opinion, and 
th*- frict was therefore no longer to be doubted. The atti-niioD 
of the publick mind was iraniediately roused, and as others se*>m 
ed to be exercised in a siinibr manner, the wav was prepared 
for the dehision to spread. Children of not more than twelve 
years of age were permitted to give their testimony : Indians 
were called to tell their stories of wonder, and women their noc 
turnal frights. For a time the counsels of age were unheard ; 
wisdom was confoundect, and relii'ion silenced. 

If, however, the uniform protestations of those who were exe 
cuted, or tlie confessions of mmibers who had been accusers, or 
the conviction of errour on the part i>f those who wtre leaders 
in these awful scenes, be credited, we shall be satisfiea that the 
whole oriirinated in I" " ' ' ' ' ij. All who were executed, 

excepting the first, j .iinucence with their dying 

breath, when a confession would have saved their lives. Y ears 
afterwards, those who had been accusers, when admitted to the 
churcli, ackno\\leci2ed tlieir delusion, and asked " pardon for 
having brought the guilt of innocent blood on the land," 

Even juries, who h.ad beenconceinett in the trial and condem* 
nation of some of these unfortunate suflV rcrs, recanted their er- 
rours. "We do sij:nify," to use the language of a jury subse- 
quently conscious of their wrong, " our deep sense of, and sor- 
row for, our errours in acting on such evidence ; we pray that 
we may be considered candidly and aright, by the living suffer- 
ers, as bein^ then, under the power of a general and strong de- 
lusion." In one instance at least, a church, that of Danvers, 
which had exconimuiilcalod a person on suspicion of witchcraft, 
and who was hunsr, four years afterwards, recalled the sentence, 
" that it mi'jht not stand against her to all generations." 

In conclusion it may be remarked, that no people on earth 
are notr more enlightened on this subject than are the people of 
America. Nothing of a similar kind has since existed, and pro- 
bably never will exist. Stories of wonder, founded upon an- 
cient tradition, or upon a midnight adventure, sometimes awe 
the village circle on a winter's night, but the succeeding day 
chases away every ghost, and lulls every fear. It becomes the 
present generation to advert with gratitude to their freedom from 
those delusions which distressed and agitated their ancestors, ra- 
ther than to bestow invectives upon them, since they could plead 
in palliation of their errour — the spirit of the age In which they 
liTPd. 



PERIOD III. ..ICbO. ...1726. gl 

Section IV. Hcarcely wcjrc tin; coIonicN reliev^ 
ed from tho oppreciHion of kinj* JameM, before 
they were viKitod willi troulilih <jf a iiatiin? piiill 
more di«tre(<Hing. 'I'lie revolution, winch loHow- 
cd ihe acceHHioii of W illiam and Marv, had in- 
ciee*d restored iheir hherlieH, hut il involved ihcin 
III a war both with llie Krencli and Indian^^, whn:b 
continued from Hj'.iU, to tlie peace oi' HyHwiek) 
in lb97, eonmionly ealh-d '''King WUUuia'^i 
Wary 

King Jaroeti, un leaving Lnglaiid, ll»-() lo 1' runn- Louis X I V. 
king of t'rancf,aU(rin|)tini( to support li:ni,kindli-(ltli*-tliini<-ul uar 
brlwi^n hiitowii country and hngland. 'V\\f subp'ri* ul Louis, 
in i unudii, oi «our»«- direttfd tlu^ir lunis aL^aintil the colonii « o( 
N«-w-Lnglaitd am: N* >v-Yuik, aiul iuKti^ali <1 llit- Indiann lo join 
tlii-in in iheir lu»ttiliti< ». 

Count l^'rontennc, a brHve and i-nterpriHin^ of- 
ficer, wan now tlie governout of (-aiiada. In- 
flamed with the rehentrntiii which had kindled 
in the biihoniof hif inahier, Loni.'- X I V.of I'Vance, 
B^raiuHl William, liir bin irealmtrnl t)f Jamch, lie 
fitted out three expeditioiiH, in the dead of winter, 
af^aiiiHt the Ainericant olonieK— onea^aiiiMtJ\eW" 
Y«»rk, a H'cond aj^aim-t New-llanipHhire, an<l u 
third agaiiiHt the province of Maiint. Kuch of 
tbenti parties, in the execution of ibeir orderM, 
marked their projircHM with plun<ler, fire, and 

deutli. 

'I'Ik- party destined agMinHt New- York, conKijiting of ab(>ut 
three hundred men, in February fell upon Schenectady, a viU 
liig<- <iii til)- Mtjhawk. ^rb*- ji* iihon wiu cold, and the tsuou ri(» 
det'p, ibat it wan d>'i-niiui iiopoh'tiblr- lor un i-n<-niy l<; appi<>i«<'h. 
The attack was made ULlhe d«'ad ol the night, while the inb'd'it- 
ant*> w'Ti- in a profoumi ftifr'i'p. Not a ^*-i\\mf\ was awnk** ••& 
announcf the apjiroachint' danger. Cure had been taken, by a 
diviiiion ill th< enemvt to attack alnumt every hnu6e in thf Hame 
niomeni. V\ hfu th«- prt'paraiionit wer« ready, on a preron<«rl« 
ed (signal, the apailing war-whctop wan begun : houws werr bro- 
Ken open and aei oji fire— inen and women were dragged fron> 



82 THREE WARS OF WM. UI ...ANNE GEO. 11. 

their beds, and with their sleeping infants were inhumanly mur- 
dered. Sixty persons perished in the massacre, thirty were made 
prisoners, while the rest of the inhabitants, mostly naked, fled 
through a deep snow, either suffering extremely, or pfirisliing in 
the cold. 

The second party, directing their course to \pw-Harnp. 
shirt, burned Salmon Falls, killing thirty of the bravest men, 
and carrying fifty-four of the inhabitants into a miserable cap^ 
tivity. ^ 

The third party, proceeding from Quebec, destroyed the set- 
tlement of Casco, in Maine, and killed and captured one hmi- 
dred people. 

Section V. Roused by these proceedings of 
the French, the coiony of Massachusett.-j resolv- 
ed to attack the en( my in turn. Accordinoly an 
expedition consisting of" seven vessels, auifeight 
hundred men, under command of 8ir William 
Phipps, sailed for the reduction of Port Royal, 
in Nova i?5cotia, which was easily and speedily 
effected. 

A second expedition, under the same comman- 
der, was soon after resolved upon by the colonies 
of New- York, Connecticut, ;uid Massachusptts, 
united, for the reduction of Montreal and Uue- 
bec. A combination of unfortunate circumstan- 
ces, however, defeated the design, and the ex- 
pedition after encountering numerous hardships 
and disasters, returned. 

The plan was for the troops of New-York and Connecticut, 
consisting of about two thousand, to penetrate into Canada, by 
Lake Champlain, and to attack Montreal, at the sam^time that 
the naval armament, ronsistine of between thirty and forty ves- 
sels, with a similar number of men, shouW invest Quebec The 
troops destined for Montreal not being supplied, either with 
boats or provisions, sufficient for crossiif the lake, were obliged 
to return. The naval expedition did not reach Quebec, until 
October. After spending several days in consultation, the land- 
ing of thetroofis was eftected, and they b.^^an their march for 
the town. At the same time the ships wi-re drawn up ; but the 
attack, both by land and water, was alike unsuccessful. The 
troops were soon after re-erabarKed, and the weather, prov. 



PERIOD 1II....1689....175G. 83 

ing tempestuous, scattered the fleet, and terminated the expedb 
tion. 

The success ol* the expedition had been so confidently calcu- 
lated upon, that provision had not been made lor the payment 
of the troops; there was danger, therefore, of a mutiny. In 
this extremity, Massachusetts issued bills of credit, as a substi- 
tute for money ; the first emission of the kind in the American 
colonies. 

Sir William Phipps, to whom the above expeditions were en- 
trusted, was a native of New-England. The extraoi dinary in- 
cidents of his life will serve to exhibit the powerful spirit of per- 
sonal enterprise which the peculiar circumstances of the colo- 
nies called forth. 

The place of his birth, which happened in l650, was a small 
plantation, on the river Kennebeck, at that time nearly the limit 
of thfc English settlements on the east. His father was a gim- 
smith, who had a family of twenty-six children by one wife, 
twenty-one of whom were sons, of which William was nearly 
the youngest. His father dying while he was quite a lad, he 
lived with his mother until his eighteenth year, during which 
time he was chiefly concerned in the care of sheep. Contrary 
t© the wishes of his friends, he now indented himself as an ap- 
prentice to a ship-carpenter, for four years, in which time he be- 
came master of his art. Upon the expiration of his service, he 
went to Boston, where he followed his trade about a year, during 
which he learned to read and write, and in which time he was 
respectably married. 

Failing of that success in his trade, which his enterprising ge- 
nius coveted, he turned his attention to the sea, and during his first 
voyage, hearing of a Spanish wreck near the Bahamas, he di- 
rected his course thither, but obtained from it only sufficient to 
furnish himself for a voyage to England. On his arrival in that 
country, he heard of another Spanish wreck, in which was lost 
an immense treasure ; buttheprecise spot of which was as yet un- 
discovered. Being sanguine in the belief that he should be more 
successful than those who had preceded him, in their attempts 
to discover it, he solicited the patronage of several persons in 
office, through whose influence he was appointed to the Algier 
Rose, an English frigate of eighteen guns and niuptv-five men, 
in which, some time after, he sailed in quest of the wreck. 

It often happens that Divine Providence, previously to crown- 
ing a man's exertions with success, involves him for a season in 
difficulties, and tries him with disappointments. This was strik- 
ingly verified in the case of Capt. Phipps. Not meeting with 
. jhe success which he had promised his crew, they at length be- 
came mutinous, and on a sudden rushed upon him, while onjhe^ 



84 THREE WABS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

quarter deck, with drawn swords, and demanded of him, as ih* 
only condition of life, that he should join them in escaping to the 
South Seas, to engage ui piracy. Although entirely miarmed, he 
stood firm and collected until he had fixed his plan, and then with 
a courage bordering on rashness rushed in upon their pointed 
swords, dealing his blows so judiciously that he felled numbers 
to the deck, and so awed the rest, that they consented to yi^ld. 
At another time finding it necessary to careen his vessel, he put 
into a desolate Spanish island, near to a rock from which a 
temporary bridge was extended to the ship. Mutiny was se- 
cretly working among his crew. While preparations were mak- 
ing by the carpenter for repeiiring the vessel, ninety of his men 
left her, and retired into the adjoining wood, under pretence of 
diversion, but in reality for mutinous purposes. Here a plan 
was formed, which was to seize Capt. Phipps, and the nine or 
ten men who were known to be friendly to him, and to abandon 
ihem to their fate on the island. 

Apprehensive that the carpenter might be necessary on their 
voyage, they sent to him, then at work on the vessel, and re- 
quested that he would come to them. On his arrival he was 
apprized of their design, and threatened with death should he 
not second their views. The carpenter, being an honest man, 
requested an half hour to think upon the proposal, and return- 
ing to the ship, accompanied by a spy from the mutineers, re- 
sumed his work. On a sudden, feigning himself severely dis- 
tressed with pain, Ue excused himself, while he should hasten 
to the captain, who was below, for a dram. In few words, 
while the dram was getting, he discovered the plot to Capt. 
Phipps, and sought his advice. The captain bid him go back 
to the rogues, sign their articles, and leave the rest to him. No 
sooner had the carpenter gone, than Capt. Phipps summoned 
the men on board, of whom the gunner was one, and having 
briefly stated the plan in agitation, demanded of them, whether 
they would share his fortune ; to which they unanimously agreed. 
All their provisions were on shore in a tent, round which seve- 
ral guns had been planted, to defend them from the Spaniards, 
should any chance to pass that way. These guns Capt. Phipps 
ordered his men to charge, and silently to turn in the direction 
of the mutineers, while he should pull up the bridge, and with 
the assistance of two or three others bring the guns on board to 
bear on every side of the tent. 

Scarcely were these preparations ended, when the mutineers, 
flushed with their anticipated success, made their appearance. 
On their nearer approach, Capt. Phipps bade them advance at 
their peril ; at the same time directing his men to fire, should a 
eingle one come forward. Awed by his decision, and the dcalli- 



PERIOD III....lfi89....1756. So 

.ike preparations visible, they paused ; upon which Capt. Phipps 
informed them that their plot was discovered, and that he was 
determined to leave them to that late, which they had designed 
for him, and those ol the crew who were too virtuous to second 
their villanous purposes. At the same time he diiected the 
bridge to be let down, and the provisions to be brought on bociril 
— while some of the men should stand with matches at the guns, 
with orders to fire should a single mutineer advance. This un- 
expected reverse, and especially the prospect of a certain, but a 
lingering death on a desolate shore, had the efi'ect to subdue 
the mutineers, who now on their knees besought his pardon, 
and promised obedience to his orders. Unwilling, however, to 
trust them, Capt. Phipps tied their arms one alter another ; and 
when all were on board, immediately weighed anchor, and sailed . 
for Jamaica, where he dismissed them, from this place, hav- 
ing shipped another crew, he sailed for Hispaniola, intending to 
proceed in search of the Spanish wreck ; but his crew proving 
unfit, he returned to Lngland. 

Through the assistance of the duke of Albemarle, and other per- 
sons of quality, he was furnished with another ship and a tender, 
with which he sailed for Port de la Plata, where after completing 
his preparations, lie proceeded in search of the wreck. Having 
for a long time fruitlessly sought the object of his voyage, in the 
neighbourhood of a reef of rocks called the Boilers, further 
search was about being abandoned, when, as one of the buats 
was returning to the ship across the reef, one of the men looking 
over the side, spied as he thought a sea feather, growing out of a 
rock : whereupon an Indian diver was directed to descend and 
fetch it up. But what were their surprise and joy, on his return, 
to learn that he had discovered several guns, lying on the bottom 
of the deep. A second descent of the Indian increased their joy 
still more, for on his rising, he was bearing in his hand a sow, as 
they called it, or a mass of silver, of th > value of several hun- 
drt«d pounds sterling. Tidings of the aiscovery were immedi- 
ately conveyed to Capt. Phipps, who, with his men, repaired 
to tht spot, and upon leaving the place, carried with him thirty- 
two to.is of Silver bullion, besides a large quantity of gold, pearls, 
and jewels, over which the billows had been rolling for more 
than hall a century. On his arrival in London, the property 
thus resci\ed was valued a* nearly three hundred thousand poui.ds 
sterling ; yet of this sum such was his exemplary honesty and 
liberahty, that partly by fulfilling his assurances to his seam«^n, 
and partly by conscientiously paying over to his employers all 
their dues, he had left to himself less than sixteen thousand 

!)ounds. As a reward to his fidelity, howt ver, he received a 
arge present from the duke of Albemarle, and upon a repra- 

8 



86 THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. IT. 

sentation of his enterprise to the king, his majesty conferred up» 
on him the honour of knighthood. Liberal offers were made to 
him by the commissioners of the navy to continue in England, 
but he had too great an attachment for his native country to 
think of a permanent residence in any other land than that of 
New-Englanfl. 

James 11. was at this time on the throne of England, by whom 
the colonies in America had been deprived of their charters, and 
under whose governours they were severely suti'ering from ar- 
bitrary laws, and excessive exactions. — Pleased with Phipps, 
tKe king gave him an opportunity to ask of his majesty what he 
pleased ; upon which, forgetting personal aggrandizement, he 
besought for New- England, that her lost privileges might be re- 
stored to her. This was too great a boon to be granted, and the 
king replied, " any thing but ihatJ' His next request was, 
that he might be appointed high sherifi of the country, hoping 
that by means of his deputies in that office, he might supply the 
country with conscientious juries " which was the only method," 
says Mather, "thai the New-Engl;mders had left them to secure 
any thing that was dear unto them." 

Having at some expense obtained his request, after an absence 
of five 3'ears, he arrived in his native country ; but the king's 
government found means not only to set aside his commission 
as high sheriff, but also to raise against him such a tide of oppo- 
sition, that he had nearly been assassinated before his own door. 
Finding affairs in so unsettled a state, and his own situation un- 
comfortable, he, not long after, took another voyage to England. 
Soon after his arrival in that country, James abdicated the 
throne, and the Prince of Orange ascended it. This event was 
the harbinger of better things to Mew-England. Having ten- 
dered his services to William, and rejected with disdain the go- 
vernment of New-England, proffered to him about this time by 
the abdicated king, he hastened bis return to America, hoping 
now to be of some sorvice to his country. Li the unsettled state 
of the colonies, his wisdom and influence were of great import- 
ance, and contributed not a little to forward the revolution, 
which issued in freeing the colonies from the" tyranny of James 
and his ministers. 

The latter part of the life of Sir William Phipps is rendered 
doubly interesting, by his openly espousuig the cause of religion. 
At the age of forty he was publickly baptized in one of the 
churches of Boston, and received into her communion. In an 
address on that occasion, in conclusion he observed, " I have 
had proffers of baptism elsewhere made to me, but I resolved 
rather to defer it until t could enjoy it in the communion of these 
churches. I have had awful impressions from the words of the 



PERIOD III....1680....1726. 87 

Lord Jesus, ' Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my a 
Word, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed.' When God 
had blessed nie with something ol tht world, 1 had no trouble 
so great as this, lest it should not be in mere}' ; and I trembled 
at nothing more than being put off with a portion here. I'nal 
I may be sure ol better things, 1 now ofier myself ujito the com- 
munion of the taithluL" 

King William's war breaking out at this time, he sailed upon 
the f xpedition against lort Ro^ai and Quebec, related above. 
In the lollowing year he received a commission as captain gene- 
ral and governour in chief over the province of Mask>achusetts 
Bay. INo appointment could have been more accej)table to the 
people. He came to the governuient however in unsettled times, 
and though his administration was marked by iiisinterestedness 
and liberality, it was his lortune, as ji is the fortune of all in 
high stations, to have enemies, loo restless to remain at ease, 
the^ at length preferred charges agauist him to the king, who, 
though satisfied of his fidelity, consitlenng it expedient to in- 
quire into the case, directed ISii W illiam to appear m Lngland. 
In obedience to the royal command, h» took leave of Boston, in 
ISov 1 ny4, attended with ever\ (it nionstration of respect Irom 
tht people, and with addresses to their Majesties, ihat he might 
be Ciuitinued in his present r-^spectable and useful station. 

On his arrival m England, the cloud, which had hung over 
him. was fast dispelljujr, and tlu prospect flattering of his speedy 
return to his government uninjured by the accusation of preju- 
dice and calunniy. But Providence had now accomplished its 
d;\signs in respect to him. He was sudd-'nly attacked by a ma- 
lignant disease, which terminated his lile^ in hebruary, to the 
great jrrlef of all who were acquainted with the gen'^rosity and 
patriotism, integrity, and piety, that ilistinouisbed him. 

T he lite of such a man is always replete with instruction. It 
reveals to those in the humbler walks ot life, the means by which 
the> may not only arrive at distinction, but to that which is ol 
far higher importance — an extended sphere of usefulness in 
church and state. Enterprise, exertion, integrity, will accom- 
plish every thing.* 

Sectioft VI. The failure of the expedition to 
Qupbecwafci humbling to New-Enghtnd, and pro- 
ductive of other unhappy consequences. The 
Indian tribes, Mohawks, Oneidas, ^enecas, On- 



* Mather's Magnalia. 



88 THREE WARS OF WM. UI....ANNE GEO. II. 

ondagos.and Dela wares, called the Fire Nations, 
settled along the banks of the Susquehannah, and 
in the adjacent country, who were in alliance 
with Great Britain, and had long been a safe- 
guard to the colonies against tiie French, be- 
came dissatisfied. They blamed the English 
for their inactivity, and manifested a disposition 
to make peace with the French. 

To restore the confidence of the Indian allies, Major P. Schuy- 
ler, the next year, l6yi, with three thousand men, nearly half 
M*)liavvks and Schakook Indians, made iui attack on the French 
settlements, north of Lake Champlain. De Callieres, govera- 
our of Montreal, was waiting to oppose him. After a severe 
encounter, Schuyler made good his retreat, having killed thirteen 
officers and three hundred men. 

New-York found great security against the encroachments of 
the French, m the Five Nations, who now cairied on a vigorous 
war, along the river St. Lawrence, from Montreal to Quebec. 

But the eastern portion of the country, particularly New- 
Hampshire, suffered exreedingly ; the storm falling with the 
greatest severity upon them. Doth Coimerricut nnd Massachu- 
setts raised tn>ops tV.r tht-ir detence ; but such was the dansrer 
and distress of the colony of New-Hampshire, that the inhabit- 
ants were upon the poiru of abandoning the Prevince. 

The winter of I^!^)6 was unusually severe. Never had the 
country sustained such K»sses in commerce, n«)rhad provisions, 
in any period of the war, been more scarce or borne a higher 
price. 

Section VII. In the midst of these distresses, 
the country was thn^atened with a blow, which 
it seemed impossible that it should sustain. The 
marquis Nestnond, an officer of high reputatidn, 
was despatched from France, with ten ships of 
the line, a galliot, and two frigates. Count Fron- 
tenac, from Canada, was expected to join him 
at Penobscot, with one thousand five hundred 
men. With this force, they were to make a de- 
scent on Boston ; to range the coast of New- 
foundland, and burn the shipping which should 
fall in their way. To finilh their work of de- 



^ISRIOi) III....1689... 1756. 89 

stiuction, they were to take New- York, whence 
the troops, under Frontenac, were to return to 
Canada, through the country, wasting and de- 
stroying the regions through which they shouid 
pass. But De JNesmond sailed too late for the 
accomplishment of his purpose- On his arrival 
on the coast, not being abJ#e to join Frontenac in 
season, the expedition failed, and the colonics 
were saved. At length, Dec. 10, 1697, a treaty 
was concluded between France and England, at 
Ryswick, in Germany, by which it was agreed, 
in general terms, that a mutual restitution should 
be made of all the countries, forts, and colonies, 
taken by each party during the war. 

King William's war, which was thus terminated, had been 
marked by atrocities oq the part of the French and Indians, un- 
til then, unknown in the history of the cohmies. Women, soon 
expecting to become motliers, were generally ripped up, and 
their unborn offspring inhumanly dashed against a stone or tree. 
Infants, when they became troublesome, were despatched in the 
same manner. Or, to add to the anguish of a mother, her babe 
was sometimes lacerated with a scourge, or nearly strangled 
under water, and then presented to her to quiet. If unable 
soon to succeed in this, it was too effectually quieted by the 
hatchet, or left behind to become the prey of prowling beasts. 
Some of the captives were roasted alive ; others received deep 
wounds in the fleshy parts of their bodies, into which sticks on 
Are were thrust, until tormented out of hfe, they expired. In 
me instance, an infant was tied to the corpse of its mother, and 
eft to perish, vainly endeavouring to draw nourisliment from 
ler bosom. 

Great were the sufferings of those whose condition was the 
oost. They were subjected to the hardships of travelling with- 
out shoes, without clothes, and o/ten without food, amidst frost, 
and rain, and snow, by night and by day, through pathless de- 
serts, and through gloomy swamps. No kindness was shown 
them, and no pity felt for them. If they fainted under their burden, 
or only remitted for a moment their toil , they received from their in- 
human conductors the severest chastisement, or expired by means 
of a blow from the tomahawk. Such were some of the calarai> 
ties which our ancestors endured in the defence of the countryi 
which they have transmitted to us with so much honour. 

8* . 



yO THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

The details of individuu! sufferings, which occurred during 
this war, were they faithfully recorded, would excite the sym- 
pathies of the most unfeeling bosom. One instance only can 
we relate. 

In an attack by a body of Indians on Haverhill, New-Hamp- 
shire, in the winter of 1697, the concluding y^ar of the war, a 
party of the assailants, burning with savage animosity, approach- 
ed the house of a Mr Oustan. . Upon the first alarm, he flew 
from a neighbouring field to his family, with the hope of hurry- 
ing them to a place of safety. Seven of his children he directed 
to flee, while he himself went to assist his wife, who was confin- 
ed to the bed with an infant, a week old. But before she could 
leave her bed, the savages arrived. 

In despair of rendering her assistance, IMr. Dustan flew to the 
door, mounted his horse, and determined in his own mind, to 
snatch up and save the child which he loved the best. He fol 
lowed in p«rsiiit of his little flock, but, upon coming up to 
them, he foftnd it impossible to make a selection. The eye Oi 
the pare . oidd see no one of the number that he could abandon 
to the kiiite of the savage. He determined, therefore, to meet 
his fate with them ; to defend and save them from their pursu- 
ers, or die by their side. 

A body of Indains soon came up with him, and, from short 
distances, fired upon him and his little company. For mor« 
than a mile he continued to retreat, placing himself between his 
children and the fire of the savages ; and returning their shots 
with great spirit and success. At length he saw them all safely 
lodged from their bloody pursuers, in a distant house. 

It is not easy to find a nobler instance of fortitude and courage, 
inspired by affection, than is exhibited in this instance. Let us 
ever cultivate the influence of those ties of kindred, which are 
capable of giving so generous and elevated a direction to our ac- 
tions. 

As Mr. Dustan quitted his house, a party of Indians entered 
it. Mrs. Dustan was in bed ; but they ordered her to rise, and, 
before she could completely dress herself, obliged her and the 
nurse, who had vainly endeavoured to escape with the infant, to 
quit the house, which they plundered and set on fire. 

In these distressing circumstances Mrs. Dustan began her 
march, with other captives, into the wilderness. The air was 
keen, and their path led alternately through snow and deep mud ; 
and her savage conductors delighted rather in the infliction of 
torment, than the alleviation of distress. 

The company had proceeded but a short distance, when an 
fodlan, thinking the infant an incumbrance, took it from the 
nurse's arms, and violently terminated its life. Such of the 



PERIOD III....1689....1756. 92 

Other captives as began ti) be weary, and incapable of proceed- 
ing, the Indians killed with their tomahawks. Feeble as Mrs. 
Dustan was, both she and her nurse sustained with wonderful 
energy, the fatigue and misery attending a journey of one hun- 
di-ed and fifty miles. 

On their arrival at the place of their destination, they found 
the wigwara of the savage, who claimed them as his personal 
property, to be inhabited by twelve Indians. In the ensuing 
April, this family set out with their captives, for an Indian set- 
tlement still more remote. The captives were informed that, 
on their arrival at the settlement, they must submit to be strip- 
ped, scourged, and run the gauntlet, between two files of Indians. 
This information carried distress to the minds of the captive wo- 
men, and led them promptly to devise some means of escape. 

Early in the morning of the 31st, Mrs. Dustan awaking her 
nurse and another fellow-prisoner, they despatched ten of the 
twelve Indians while asleep. The other two escaped. The 
women then pursued their difficult and toilsome journey through 
the wilderness, and at length arrived in safety at Haverhill. 
Subsequently, they visited Boston, and received, at the hand 
>f the General Court, a handsome consideration for their extra- 
ordinary sufferings and heroick conduct. 

" \Vhether all their sufferings," says Dr. D wight, to whom we 
ai'e indebted for this interesting story, " and all the danger of 
suffering anew, justified this slaughter, may probably be ques- 
tioned by the exact moralist. Precedents innumerable, and of 
high authority, may indeed be urged in behalf of these captives ; 
but the moralist will equally question the rectitude of these. 
Ft w persons, however, agonizing as Mrs. Dustan did, under the 
evils which she had already suffered, and in the full apprehen- 
sion of those which she was destined to suffer, would have been 
able to act the part of nice casuists ; and fewer still, perhaps, 
would have exercised her intrepidity. That she herself approv- 
ed of the conduct, which was applauded by the magistrates and 
ilivines of the day, in the cool hours of deliberation, cannot be 
doubted. The truth is, the season of Indian invasion, burning, 
butchering, captivity, threatening, and torture, is an unfortunate 
time for nice investigation, and critical moralizing. A wife, 
who had just seen her house burnt, her infant dashed against a 
tree, and her companions coldly murdered one by one ; who 
supposed her husband and her remaining children to have shar- 
ed the same fate ; who was threatened with torture and inde- 
cency more painful than torture ; and who did not entertain a 
doubt that the threatening would be fulfilled ; would probably 
feel no necessity, when she found it in her power to despatch the 



92 THREE WARS OP WM III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

authors of her sufferings, of asking questions concerning any 
thing, but thp success of the enterprise. 

" But whatever may be thought of the rectitude of her con 
duct, that of her husband is in every view honourable. A finei 
succession of scenes for the pencil was hardly ever presented to 
the eye, than is furnished by the efforts of this gallant man, with 
their interesting appendages. The artist must be destitute in 
deed of talents, who could not engross every heart, as well as 
every eye, by exhibitions of this husband and tather, flying to 
rescue his wife, her infant, and her nurse, from the approaching 
horde of savages ; attempting oo his horse to select from his 
flying family the child which he was the least able to spare, and 
unable to make the selection ; facing in their rear the horde of 
hell-hounds; alternatel}' and sternly retreating- behind his ines- 
timable charge, and fronting the enemy again ; receiving and re- 
turning their fire; and presenting himself, eqnnlly, as a barrier 
against murderers, and a shelter to the flight of innocence and 
anguish. In the background of some or other of these picinres, 
might be exhibited, with powerful impression, the kindled dwell- 
ing; the sickly mother; the terrified nurse, with the new-born 
infant in her arras ; and the furious natives surrounding them, 
driving them forward, and displaying the trophies of savage vic- 
tory, and the insolence of savage triumph." 

Section VIII. Scarcely had the colonies re- 
covered from the wounds and impoverishment 
of King William's war, which ended in 1697, 
before they were again involved in the horrours 
of another war with the French, Indians, and 
Spaniards, commonly called "• Queen Anneh 
War,^^ which continued from 1702, to the peace 
of Utrecht, March 31st, 1713. 

By the treaty of Ryswick, it was in general terms agreed, that 
France and England should mutually restore to each other all 
conquests made during the war. But the rights and pretensions 
of either monarch to certain places in Hudson's Bay, &c. were 
left to be ascertained and determined at some future day, by 
commissioners. 

The evil consequences of leaving boundaries thus unsettled 
were soon perceived. Disputes arose, which, mingling with 
other differences of still greater importance, led England to de- 
clare war against France and Spain, May 4th, 1702. 

Section IX. The whole weight of the war in 
America, unexpectedly fell on New-England. 



PERIOD II1....1689....1756. 93 

The geographical position of New- York particu- 
larly exposed that colony to a combined attack 
from the lakes and sea ; hut just before the com- 
mencement of hostilities, a treaty of neutrality 
was concluded between the five Nations and the 
French governour in Canada. The local situa- 
tion of the Five Nations, bordering on the fron- 
tiers of New-York, prevented the French from 
molesting that colony ; JVlassachusetts and New- 
Hampshire were thus left to bear the chief ca- 
lamities of the war. 

The declaration of war was immediately fol- 
lowed by incursions of French an<i Indians from 
Canada into these colonies, who seized every 
0{)portunity for annoying the inhabitants by de- 
predaiion and outrage. 

( )n Tuesday, Feb JWfh. 1 7<H, nt day break, a party of French 
and Inr^i^tns, three hundred in number, under command ot the 
tntamous Hextel De Rouville, fell upon Deerfield, Mass. Un- 
happily, not only the inhahitan«^s, but even the watch were 
asleep. They soon made themselves masters of" the house in 
which the firarris<»n was kept. Proceeding thence to the house 
ai Mr. Williams the clereyman, they forced the doors, and en- 
tered the room where he was sleeping. 

Awaked by the noise, Mr. Williams seized his pistol, and 
snapped it at the Indian who first approached, but i' missed 
fire. Mr. Williams whs now seized, disarmed, bound, and k'-pt 
standing, w^ithout his clothes, in the intense cold, nearly an 
flour. 

His house was next plundered, and two of his children, toge- 
ther with a black female servant, were butchered beforp his eyes. 
The savages at lenglh suffered his wife and five children to put 
on their clothes, after which, he was himself allowed to dress, 
ftnd pr^-pare for a long and melancholy march. 

The whole town around them was now on fire. Every house, 
but the one next to Mr. Williams' was consumed. This house 
i' still standing; a hole cut by the savages in the dooi, and the 
marks of the bullets in the walls, are visible to this day. 

Having completed their work of destruction, in bumine the 
town, and killing forty-seven persons, the enemy hastily retreat- 
ed, taking with them one hundred of the inhabitants, among 
whom, were Mr. Williams and his family 



94 THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

The first nighi alter their departure from Deerfteld, the sava* 
ges murdereil Mr. Williams' si^rvuiit, and on the day succeeding, 
finding Mrs. Williiims unable tu keep pace with the rest, plung- 
ed a hatchet into her head. Sh< had recently borne an intant, 
and was not yet recovered. Put her husband was not permitted 
to assist her. He himself was lame, bound, insulted, threatened, 
and nearly famished — but what were personal sufleringf. like 
these, and even greater thi'ji these, to tiir sight of a wiie under cir 
cunjstances so tender, inhumanly butchered befoi e his »^yes Be- 
fore the journey was ended, seventeen others shared the melanc- 
holy fate of Airs. Williams 

On their arrival in Canada, it may b<" added, Mr. Williams 
was treated with civility by the French. At the end of two 
years, he was redeemed with fifty-seven others, aiid returned to 
Deerfield, where, after twelve years labour in the jjospel, he en« 
tered into his rest. 

Section X. Ill the spring of 1707, Masj»achu- 
settvs, Rhode-Isl.md, ami j\ew-Mnmp.shire, fitted 
out an ex}»editi«)n agniuNt Port Royd, in INova 
Scolia. The expedition, consisting oi't)ne thou 
san<{ men, sailed from .\:iniiif-k(t in twenty-three 
tiansports, under convoy ot'llie DepTl'erd man of 
war, and the Provintie galley. After a short 
voyage, they arrived at Fort Koynl ; but Mar<h, 
the commander of the expedition, though a brnve 
man, being unfit to ieaci in an enterprise so tlitfi- 
cult, little was done, beyond burnmga fewhouses, 
aiid killing few ';attle. 

While this unfortunate expedition was on foot, the frontiers 
were kept in constant alarm. < »yster Ri^er, txeter, Kingston, 
and Dover, in New-Han. pshire, Berwick, York, Wells, and 
Casco, in Maine, were attacked, and considerably damaged by 
the enemy. 

Section XI. The colonies were now resolved 
on another attempt upon Caiuula. In 1708, Mas- 
sachusetts petititmed Q,u<!en Anne for assistance, 
and she promised to send five regiments of re- 
gular troops. These, with twelv<^ hundred tnen 
raised in Massachusetts an<i Hhode-lsiand, were 
to sail from Boston to Quebec. 



PERIOD in.. 1689....1756. 95 

A second division of one thousand eight hun- 
dred men, from colonies south of Rhode-Island, 
were to march against Montreal, by way of 
Champlain ; but this project also failed, the land 
troops returning, after penetrating to Wood 
Creek, in consequence of learning that the naval 
armament, promised from England, had been 
directed to Portugal. 

Section XII. The patience of the colonies was 
not yet exhausted. Another application was 
made to the Q,ueen, and in .luly, 1710, Col. Ni- 
cholson came over with five frigates and a bomb 
ketch, for the purpose of reducing Port Royal. 
In this expedition, he was joined by five regi- 
ments of troops from New-England. 

The armament, consisting of the above frigates, 
and between twenty and thirty transports, belong 
ing to the colonies, sailed from Boston, Septem 
ber 18th. On the 24th, it reached Port Royal, 
which surrendered October 5th, and in honour 
of Queen Anne, was called Annapolis. 

Animated with his success, Nicholson soon after sailed for 
England, to solicit another expedition against Canada. Con- 
trary to the expectations of the colonies, the ministry acceded 
to the proposal, and orders were issued to the northern colonies 
to get ready their quotas of men. 

Sixteen days after these orders arrived, a fleet of men of wai 
and transports, under command of Sir Hovenden Walker, with 
seven regiments of thetluke oi Marlborough's troops, and'u bat- 
talion of marines, under Brigadier (ren. Hill, sailed into Boston. 
But the fleet had neither provisions nor pilots. Aided, how- 
ever, by the prompt and active exertions of the colonies, on the 
30th of July, the fleet, consisting of fifteen men of war, forty 
transports, and six store ships, with nearly seven thousand men, 
sailed from Boston for Canada. 

Shortly after the departure of the fleet, general Nicholson pro- 
ceeded from Albany towards Canada, at the head of* four thoi>- 
sand men, from the colonies of Connecticut, New- York, and 
New-Jersey. 

The fleet arrived in the St. Lawrence, Aug. 14th. In proceeJ- 



96 THREL WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. 11. 

ing up the river, through the unskilfulness of the pilots, and by 
contrary winds, it was in imminent danger of entire destruction. 
On the 22d, about midnight, the seamen discovered that they 
were driven on the north shore, among islands and rocks. 
Eight or nine of the British transports, on board of which were 
about one thousand seven hundred officers and soldiers, were 
cast away, and nearly one thousand men were lost. Upon this 
disaster, no further attempts were made to prosecute the expe- 
dition. The fleet sailed directly for England, and the provin- 
cial troops returned home. Gen. Nicholson, who had advanced 
to Lake George, hearing of the miscarriage of the ex{(edition on 
the St. Lawrence, returned with the land forces, and abemdoned 
the enterprise. 

The failure of this expedition was unjustly imputed, by the 
motiier country, wholly to New-England ; nor did the colonies 
receive any credit for their vigorous exertions in raising men, 
and fitting out the fleet. The expedition was not, however, 
without a beneficial effect, as it probably prevented Annapolis 
from falling into the hands of the enemy. 

Section Xlll. The spring of 1712 opened 
with new depredations of the enemy upon the 
frontier settlements. Oyster River, Exeter, 
York, Wells, &c. were again attacked and plun- 
dered. Many inhabitants in diflerent parts of 
the country were murdered, although, in some 
portions of the colonies, one half of the militia 
Were constantly on duty. 

Section XIV. The northern colonies were not 
alone in the distresses of Queen Anne's war. 
Carolina, then the southern frontier of the Ame- 
rican colonies, had her full share in its expenses 
and sufferings. 

Before official intelligence had been received 
of the declaration of war by England against 
France and Spain, in 1702, although war had 
actually been declared. Gov. Moore, of the south- 
ern settlements in Carolina, proposed to the as- 
sen)bly of the colony an expedition against the 
Spanish settlement of St. Augustine, Florida. 

Although assured of its easy conquest, and of 



PERIOD I1I....1689....1756. 97" 

being amply rewarded by its treasures of gold 
and silver, numbers of the more considerate in 
the assembly were opposed to the expedition. 
A majority, however, being in favour of it, two 
thousand pounds were voted, and one thousand 
two hundred men were raised, of whom one 
half were Indians — but the expedition entirely 
failed. 

With the forces above named, and some merchant vessels, 
impressed as transports, Gov. Moore sailed for St. Augustine. 
The design was for Col. Daniel, an enterprising officer, to pro- 
ceed by the inland passage, and to attack the town by land, witli 
a party of militia and Indians ; while Moore was to proceed by 
sea, and take possession of the har]>our. Daniel advanced 
against the town, entered and plundered it, before the governour'g 
arrival. The Spaniards, however, retired to the castle, with 
their principal riches, and with provisions for four months. 

The governour, on his arrival, could effect nothing for want 
of artillery. In this emergency, Daniel was despatched to Ja- 
maica for cannon, mortars, &c. During his absence, two large 
Spanish ships appearing off the harbour. Gov. Moore hastily 
raised the siege, abandoned his shipping, and made a precipitate 
retreat into Carolina. Col. Daniel, having no intelligence that 
the siege had been raised, on his return, stood in for the harbour, 
and narrowly escaped the ships of the enemy. In consequence 
of this rash and unfortunate enterprise, the colony was loaded 
with a debt of six thousand pounds, which gave rise to the first 
paper currency in Carolina, and was the means of filling the 
colony with dissension and tumult. 

Section XV. The failure of this expedition 
was soon after, in a measure, compensated by a 
successful war with the Apalachian Indians, who, 
inconsequence of their connexion with the Span- 
iards, became insolent and hostile. Gov. Moore, 
withabody of white men and Indian allies, march- 
ed into the heart of their country, and compelled 
them to submit to the English. 

All the towns of the tribes between the rivers Altamaha ant! 
Savannah were burnt, and between six hundred and eight hun- 
dred Indians were made prisoners. 

Section XVI. Although this enterprise was 

9 



99 THREE WARS OF WM. UI....ANNE GEO. II. 

successful, new dangers soon threatened the co- 
lony. Its invasion was attempted, 1707, by the 
Flench and Spaniards, in order to annex Caro- 
lina to Florida. The expedition, headed by Le 
Feboure, consisted of a French frigate, and four 
armed sloops, having about eight hundred men 
on board. Owing to the prompt and vigorous 
measures of Johnson, who had superseded Moore 
as governour, the enemy were repulsed, and the 
threatened calamity averted. 

No sooner was the intended invasion rumoured abroad, than 
preparations were commenced to repel the enemy. The militia 
were mustered and trained, and the fortifications of Charleston 
and other places repaired. These preparations were scarcely 
completed, before the fleet of the enemy appeared. Some time 
elapsed, however, before thoy crossed the bar, which enabled 
the governour to alarm the surrounding country, and to call in 
great numbers uf the militia. 

At length, with a fair wind, the enemy passed the bar, and 
sent a summons to the governour to surrender. Four hours 
were allowed him to return his answer. But the governour in- 
formed the messenger that he did not wish one minute. On the 
reception of this answer, the enemy seemed to hesitate, and at- 
tempted nothing that day. 

Tht day succeeding, a party of the enemy, landing on James 
^sleUid, burnt a village by the river's side. Another party of 
oiw hundred and sixty landed at Wando Neck. The next day, 
both these parties were dislodged — the latter party being sur- 
prised, and nearly all killed or taken prisoners. 

This success so a.^imated the Carolinians, that it was deter- 
mined to attack the oi.°n»y by sea. This was attempted with 
a force of six vessels under command of William Rhet, but oi 
the appearance of Rhet, the enemy weightd anchor, and pre- 
cipitately fie.(\. 

Some days succeeding this. Monsieur Arbuset appeared on 
the. coast with a ship cf force, and landed a number of men at 
Sewee Bay. Rhet sailed out against him, and at the same time, 
Capt. Fenwick crossed the river, and marched to attack the 
enemy by land. After a brisk engagement. Fenwick took the 
enemy on land, prisone's, and Rhet succeeded in capturing the 
shi-p. 

Section XVII. In 1 71 0, a large number of Pa- 
latines, inhabitants of a Palatinate, a small terri- 



PERIOD III....l€89....176e. 99 

lory in Germany, whose governour or prince is 
called a Palatine, arrived and settled on the Ro- 
anoke, in Albemarle and Bath counties, within 
the boundaries of North Carolina. These were 
a great accession to the strength and numbers of 
the colony, which, although of sixty years stand- 
ing, was exceedingly small. 

The same ye.ir, near three thousand of the same people came 
to New-Vork. Some settled in that city and built the old Lu- 
theran church ; others settled on Livingston's manor. Some 
wert into Pennsylvania, and at subsequent periods, were lollow- 
ed by many thousands of their countrymen. 

Two years after the above settlers arrived in 
Car-^lina, and during (dueen Anne's war, a plot 
wa^ 'id by the Corees and Tuscaroras, with other 
Indian tribes, to massacre tiie whole number. 
This plot was soon so far put in execution, that 
one hundred and seven settleis were butchered 
in their houses, in a single night, inturmation 
of their distress was speedily sent to ( liarU'sion; 
soon after which. Col. Barnwell, with six hun- 
dred militia ami three hundred and fifty friendly 
Indians, exph)red their way thrt)ugh the inter- 
vening wilderness, and came to their relief. i)n 
his arrival. Col. B. surprised the Tuscaroras, 
killed three hundred of them, and made one hun- 
dred prisoners. 

The surviving Indians fled to a town which had been fortifi- 
ed by the tribe ; but here they were ag.im attacked by Baruweli, 
who killed great numb^ s ot them, and comnelled the re.namder 
to sue for peace. It is r-stimated that the Tuscaroras, in this 
war, lost one thousand of their nwmber. The remainder of the 
tribe, early after the war. abanrloned the country, arnd became 
united with the Five Nations, which since that time, have been 
called the Six Nafi'ins. 

Section XVlll. The next year, March 31st, 
17 U^. a treaty of peace was concluded at Utrecht, 
between England and France. This relieved 
the apprehensions of the northern part of the 



100 THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. IL 

country, and put a welcome period to an expen- 
sive and oistressing war. After the peace was 
known in America, the eastern Indians sent in 
a flag and desired peace. The governour of 
Massachusetts, with his council, and with that 
of New-Hampshire, met them at Portsmouth, re- 
ceived their submission, and entered into terms 
of paoitication. 

By the above treaty between England and France, New- 
foundland and IN ova Scotia were ceded to Great Britain, ft 
was aJso stipulated that " the subjects of France, inhabiting (-a- 
nada, and other places, shall heieafter give no hindrance or mo- 
lestation lu the Five Nations, nor to the other nations of Indians 
Who are friends to Great Britain." B> the treaty also, the 
i^'«^nch reliuquisned all claim to the Five Nations, and to all 
parts of their territories, and as far as respected themsei s, en- 
titled the British crown to the sovereignty of the country. 

Section XIX. The termination of Queen 
Anne's war gave peace to the northern colonies, 
but the contest with the Indians for some time 
continued to distress the CarcUinians. 

Scarcely had the people recovered from the above war with 
the Corees and Tus» aroras, before they Were threatened with a 
calamity still greater and more general. The Yamosees, a 
powerful tribe o*' Indians, with all »he Indian tribe's from F lorida 
to ('ape F'ear river, formed a conspiracy for the total extirpa- 
tion of the Carolinians. The l.')th of April, 1715, was fixed 
upon as the day ot general destruction. — Owing, however, to 
th* wisdi.m, despatch, and firmness of Governour Craven, and 
the blessing o*" Providence, the calamity was in a measure avert- 
ed, and the coloH'es saved, though at the expense, during the 
war of near four hundred of the inhabit, ns. The Yamosees 
wen* expelled the province, and took refuge among the Span- 
iards in Florida. 

Section XX. In 1719, the government of ( a- 
rolina, which till now had been proprietary, was 
changed, the charter was declared by the king's 
privy council to have been forfeited, and the co- 
lony, from this time, was taken under the roya! 
protection, under which it continued till the Ame- 
rican revolution. 



PERIOD in....l689....l756. IQl 

The people had long been disgusted with the management of 
the proprietors, and were resolved, at all hazards, to execute 
their own laws, and defend the rights of the province. A sub- 
scription to this effect was drawn up, and generally signed. 

On the meeting of the assembly, a committee was sent with 
this subscription to the governour, Robert Johnson, requesting 
him to accept the government of the province, under the king, 
instead of the proprietors. 

Upon his refusal, the assembly chose Col. James Moore go- 
vernour, under the crown, and on the 21st of December, 1719, 
the convention and militia marched to Charleston foit, and pro- 
claimed Moore governour in his Majesty's name. 

The Carolinians, having assumed the goveniment, in behalf 
of the king, referred their complaints to the royal ear. On a 
full hearing of the case, the privy council adjudged that the pro- 
prietors had forfeited their charter. From this time, therefore, 
the colony, as stated above, was taken under the royal protec- 
tion, under which it continued till the American revolution. 

This change was followed, in 1729, by another, nearly as 
important. This was an agreement between the proprietors 
and the crown, that the former should surrender to the crown 
their right and interest both to the government and soil, for the 
sum of seventeen thousand five hundred pounds sterling. This 
agreement being carried into effect, the province was divided 
into North and South Carolina, each province having a distinct 
governour under the crown of England. 

Section XXI. It has been stated that peace 
was concluded by Massachusetts and New-Hamp- 
shire, with the eastern Indians, soon after the 
pacification at Utrecht, in 1713. This peace 
however was of short duration, dissatisfaction 
arising on the part of the Indians, because of the 
encroachments of the English on their lands, 
and because trading houses were not erected for 
the purchase of their commodities. 

The governour of Massachusetts promised 
them redress ; but the general court not carrying 
his stipulations into execution, the Indians be- 
came irritated, and, at the same time, being ex- 
cited by the French Jesuits, were roused to war, 
which, in July, 1722, became general, and con- 

9* 



lOS THREE WARS OF WM. III....Ai^N£... G£0. tt. 

tinued to distress the eastern settlements until 
1725. 

The tribes engaged in the war, were the Norridgewocks, Pe- 
nobscots, St. Francois, Cape Sable, and St. John Indians. In 
June, 1725, hostilities ceased, soon after which a treaty was 
signed by the Indians, and was afterwards ratified by commis< 
sioners from Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Nova Scotia. 
This treaty was greatly applauded, and under it, owing to ihe 
more pacifick feelings of the Indians, and the more faithtul ob 
servance of its stipulations by the English, the colonies expe- 
rienced unusual tranquillity for a long time. 

Section XXII. The settlement of Georgia 
was begun in 1733, and was named after King 
George II. of England, who was then on the 
throne. In the settlement of Georgia, two ob- 
jects were principally in view — the relief of indi- 
gent inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland, 
and the greater security of the Carolinas. 

The charter was granted to twent)^-one persons under the 
title of trustees, and passed the seals June 9th, 1732. The first 
settlers, one hundred and sixteen in number, embarked from 
England, in November of the same year, under General Ogle- 
thorpe. They landed at Charleston, whence they repaired to 
Savannah river, and C(jmmenced the town of that name. 

The colony did not flourish for many years. In their regu- 
lations for its management, the tnistees enacted that all lands 
granted by them to settlers should revert back, in case of the 
failure of male succession ; although certain privileges were to 
be allowed to widows and daughters. At the same time, all 
trade with the Indians was prohibited, unless by virtue of spe- 
cial license. The use of negroes and the importation of rum 
were absolutely forbidden. 

Although the trustees were actuated by the purest motives — 
by principles of humanity, and a regard to the health and moials 
of the inhabitants, this system of regulations was unfitted to the 
condition of the poor settlers, and was highly injurious to their 
increase and prosperity. 

Emigrants, however, continued to arrive. The first adven- 
turers being poor and unenterprising, a more active and efficient 
race was desirable. To induce such to settle in the colony, 
eleven towns were laid out in shares of fifty acres each ; one of 
which was offered to each new settler. Upon this, large num- 
bers of S\<'iss, Scotch, and Germans, became adventurers to the 



PERIOD in....l689....1756. IGS 

colony. Within three years from the first settlement, one thou- 
sand four hundred planters had arrived. 

To aid the colony, parliament made several grants of money j 
individuals also gave considerable sums for the same purpose ; 
owing, however, to the irapolitick regulations of t'le trustees, the 
colony maintained only a feeble existence. 

Section XXIII. Upon the declaiation of war 
by England against Spain, Oglethorpe was ap- 
pointed, 1740, to the chief commond in South 
Carolina and Georgia. Soon after his appoint- 
ment, he projected an expedition against St. 
Augustine. Aided by Virginia and Carolina, he 
marched at the head of more than two thousand 
men, for Florida, and after taking two small 
Spanish forts, Diego and Moosa, he sat down 
before St. Augustine. Capt. Price, with seve- 
ral twenty gun ships, assisted by sea ; but after 
all their exertions, the general was forced to raise 
the siege, and return with considerable loss. 

Section XXIV. Two years after, 1742, the 
Spaniards invaded Georgia in turn. A Spanish 
armament, consisting of thirty-two sail, with three 
thousand men, under command of Don Manuel 
de Monteano, sailed from St. Augustine, and 
arrived in the river Altamaha. The expedition, 
although fitted out at great expense, failed of ac- 
complishing its object. 

General Oglethorpe was at this time at fort Simons. Finding 
himself unable to retain possession of it, having but about seven 
hundred men, he spiked his cannon, and, destroying his military 
stores, retreated to his head-quarters at Frederica. 

On the first prospect of an invasion, general Oglethorpe had 
applied to the governour of South Carolina for assistance, but 
the Carolinians, fearing for the safety of their own territory, and 
not approving of general Oglethorj le's management in his late 
expedition against St. Augustine, declined furnishing troops, but 
voted supplies. ^ 

In this state of danger and perplexity, the general resorted to 
stratagem. A French soldier belonging to his army had de- 
serted to the enemy. Fearing the consequences of their learn- 



^. 



104 THREE WARS OP WM. 1U....ANNE GEO. II. 

ing his weakness, lie devised a plan by which to destroy the 
credit of any information that the deserter might give. 

With this view,, ho wrote a letter to the French deserter in 
the Spanish camp, addressing him as if he were a spy of the 
English. This letter he bribed a Spanish captive to deliver, in 
which he directed the deserter to state to the Spaniards, that he 
was in a weak and defenceless condition, and to urge them on 
to an attack. 

Should he not be able, however, to persuade them to this, he 
wished him to induce them to continue three days longer at =heir 
quarters, in which time, he expected .two thousand mea, and 
six British men of war, from Carolina. The above letter, as 
was intended, was delivered to the Spanish general, instead of 
'he deserter, who immediately put the latter in irons. 

A council of war was called, and while deliberating upon the 
measures which should be taken, three supply ships, which had 
been voted by C^rnlira, appeared in sight. Imagining these to 
be the men of war alluded to in the letter, the Spaniards, in great 
haste, fired the fort, and embarked, leaving behind them seve- 
ral cannon, and a quantity of provisions. By this artful, but 
unjustifiable expedient, the country was relieved of its invaders, 
and Georgia, and probably a great part of South Carolina, saved 
from ruin. 

Section XXV. In 1 752, the colony, continu- 
ing in a languishing condition, although parlia- 
ment had at different times given them nearly 
one hundred thousand pounds, and many com- 
plaints having been made against the system of 
regulations adopted by the trustees, they surren- 
dered their charter to th€ crown, upon which the 
government became regal. In 1755, a general 
court was established. 

Section XXVt. March 29th, 1744, Great Bri- 
tain, jLiider George 11. declared war against 
France and Spain, The most important event 
of this war, in America, was the capture of Lou- 
isburg, from the French, by the New-England 
colonies, under command of sir William Pep- 
perell. 

After the peace of Utrecht, in 1713, the French had built 
Louisburg, on the island of Cape Breton, as a security to their 
navigation and fisher}', and had fortified it at an expense of fiv6 



PERIOD I!I....1689....1755 105 

millions and a half of dollars. The fortifications consisted of 
a rampart of stone, nearly thirty -six feet in height, and a ditch 
eighty feet wide. There were six bastions, and three batteries, 
with embrasures for one hundred and forty-eight cannon, and 
six mortars. On an island at the entrance of the harbour, was 
another battery of thirty cannon, carrying twenty-i^ight pounds 
shot, and at the bottom of the harbour, opposite the entrance, 
was situated the royal battery of twenty-eight forty-two pound- 
ers, and two eighteen pounders. The entrance of the town, on 
the land side, was at the west, over a draw-bridge, near which 
was a circular battery, mounting sixteen guns of twenty-four 
pounds shot. These works had been twenty-five years in build- 
ing, and though not entirely completed, were of such strength 
that the place was sometimes called the " (libraJtar of America." 

The acquisition of this place was deemed emi- 
nently important to New-England, since, while in 
possession of the French, it had furnished a safe 
and convenient retreat to such privateers as dis- 
turbed and captured the inhabitants of the colo- 
nies employed in the fisheries. 

Imptessed with the necessity of measures to secure this fortress, 
Governour Shirley of Massachusetts had solicited the assistance 
of the British ministry, for the acquisition of Cape Breton. 
Early in January, 1745, before receiving an answer to his let- 
ters to England, he communicated to the general court, under 
an oath of secrecy, a plan which he had formed, for an attack 
on Louisburg. To this plan strong objections were urged, and 
the proposal of the governour was at first rejected ; but upon 
reconsideration it was carried, by a majority of a single voice. 
Circulars were immediately addressed lo the colonies, as far 
south as Pennsylvania, requesting their assistance, and that an 
embargo mi^ht be laid on all their ports. The New-England 
colonies only, however, were concerned in the expedition. Of 
the forces raised, Massachusetts furnished three thousand two 
hundred and fifty ; Connecticut five hundred and sixteen ; 
Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire, each three hundred. The 
naval force consisted of twelve ships and vessels. In two 
months the army was enlisted, victualled, and equipped for ser 
vice. 

On the twenty-third of March, an express boat, which had 
been sent to commodore Warren, in the West Indies, to invite 
his co-operation, returned to Boston, with advices from him, 
that as the contemplated expedition was a colonial affair, with- 
out orders from England, he must excuse himself from any con* 



1Q6 THREE WARS OF WM. in....ANNE....GEO. II. 

cern in the enterprise. This intelligence was peculiarly unweU 
come, bu^ the governour and general concealing the tenour of 
the advice, the array was embarked, and the next morning the 
fleet sailed- On the fourth of April, the fleet and army arrived 
in safety at Canso, where thpy were joined by the troops from 
New -Hampshire, and soon aft* », by those from Ccmnecticut. 

Most unexpectedly to the general, Commodore Warren, with 
Iiis fleet, arrived at Canso, haviut,, soon after his advices by the 
express boat to Governour Shirlt-y, received orders to repnir to 
Noith America, and to concert measures with thf G» vernour 
for his majesty's service. Hearing that the fleet had sailed for 
Cans'), he proceeded directly for that port. Great was the |oy 
which pervaded the whole fleet and ramp, op the arrival of this 
important auxiliary force. After a short consultation with Ge- 
neral Pepperell, Commodore Warren sailed to cruise before 
Louisburg, and, not long after, was followed by the fleet and 
army, which, on the thirtieth of April, arrived in Chapearouge 
bay. The enemy were, untii this moment, in profound igmo- 
rance that any attack was meditated against them. 

The sight of the transports give the alarm to the French, and 
a detachment was sent to oppose the landing <if the troops. 
But while the general di'/erted the r^tTention of the » nem\ by a 
feint at ore place, he v/as landing his men at another. 

The ue-ii uiofnitig, four hundred of the English marched 
round behind the hills to the northeast harbour, setting fire to 
all the houses and stores, till they came within a mile of the 
royal battery. The oonflaffration of the stoic's, in which w^'s a 
considerable quantity "f tar. concealed the Fng'ish troops, at 
the same tii.ie that it increased the alarm of the French so great- 
ly that they precipitate)}, abandoned the royal battery. Fpon 
their flight the Kntrlish took possession of it. and by means of a 
well directed fir^ from it, sf riously damaaed the town. 

The main body of the army ni^w commenced the siege. For 
fourteen nights thev were occupied in drawing cannon towards 
the town, over a morass, in which oxen and horses could not be 
used. Incredible was the toil ; but what could not men accom- 
plish, who had been accistunted to draw the pines of the forest 
for masts ? By the twentieth of May several fascine batteries 
had been erected, one of which mounted five forty-two pounders. 
On opening these batteries, they did great execution. 

In the mean time Commodore Warren captured the Vigilant, 
a French ship of seventy-four gims, and with her five hundred 
and sixty men. together with great quantities of military stores. 
This capture was of great consequence, as it not only increased 
the English force and added to their military supplies, but as it 
seriously lessened the strength of the enemy. Shortly after this 



PERIOD m....l689....1756. 107 

capture, the number of tlie English fleet was considerably aug- 
mented by the arrival of several men of war. A combined at- 
tack by sea and land was now determined on, and fixed for the 
eighteenth of June. 

Previously to the arrival of this additional naval force, much 
had been accomplished towards the reduction of the place. The 
inland battery had been silenced ; the western gate of the town 
was beaten down, and a breach effected in the wall ; the circu- 
lar l)attery of sixteen guns was nearly ruined, and the western 
flank c*'the king's bastion was nearly demolished. 

Such being the injured state of the works, and perceiving pre- 
parations making for a joint assault, to sustain which little pros- 
pert remained, on the fifteentli the enemy desired a cessation of 
hostilities, and on the seventeenth of June, after a siege of forty- 
nine days, the city of Louisburg, and the island of Cape Breton, 
were surrendered to his Britannick majesty. 

Thus successfully terminated a daring expedition, which had 
been undertaken without the knowledge of the mother country. 
The acquisition of the fortress of Louisburg was as useful and 
important to the colonies, and to the British empire, as its reduc- 
tion was surprising tc that empire and mortifying to the court of 
France. 

Besides the stores and prizes which fell into the hands of the 
English, which were estimated at little less than a million ster- 
ling, security was given to the colonies in their fisheries ; Nova 
Scotia was preserved, and the trade and fisheries of France 
nearly ruined. 

Section XXVII. The capture of Louisburg 
roused the court of France to seek revenge. 
Under the duke D'Anville, a nobleman of great 
courage, an armament was sent to America, 
1746, consisting of forty ships of war, fifty-six 
transports, with three thousand five hundred 
men, and forty thousand stands of arms for the 
us<^ of the French and Indians in Canada. The 
object of this expedition was to recover posses- 
sion of Cape Breton, and to attack the colonies* 
A merciful Providence, however, averted the 
blow, and by delaying the fleet, and afterwards 
disabling it in a storm, blasted the hopes of the 
enemy. 

Great was the consternation of tb« colonies, when the news 



108 THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

arrived that the French fleet was near the American coast, and 
greatly increased, on learning that no EngHsh fleet was in quest 
of it. 

Several ships of this formidable French fleet were damaged 
by storms ; others were lost, and one forced to return to Brest, 
on account of a malignant disease among her crew. Two or 
three only of the ships, with a few of the transports, arrived at 
Chebucto, now Halifax. Here the admiral died, through mor- 
tification ; or, as some say, by poison. The vice-admiral came 
to a similar tragical death by running himself through the body. 
That part of the fleet that arrived sailed with a view to attack 
Annapolis, but a storm scattered them, and prevented the ac 
complishment of this object. 

Section XVIII. In April, 1 748, preliminaries 
of peace were signed between France and En- 
gland, at Aix la Chapelle, soon after which, hos- 
tilities ceased. The definitive treaty was sign 
ed in October. Prisoners on all sides were to 
be released without ransom, and all conquests 
made during the war were to be mutually restored. 



Section XXIX. J^aiflf eV!$ Of ti|e ^olo^ 
Hitfts^* The colonies were now peopled with 
inhabitants, by far the greater part of whom 
were born and educated in America. And al- 
though the first settlers were collected from most, 
or all, the countries of Europe, and emigrants 
from various nations continued to flock to Ame- 
rica, still we may observe, during this period, a 
gradual assimilation of national manners and 
character. The peculiarities of each class be- 
came less distinct by intercourse with the others, 
and every succeeding generation seemed to ex- 
hibit, less strikingly those traits which distin- 
guished the preceding. 

Although this is true with respect to the American colonieg 



PEBIOD III....I689....17Sfi 109 

generally there were some exceptions. Some villages, or terri* 
tories, being settled exclusively by emigrants speaking a dif- 
ferent language from that generally spoken — as the Germans, 
for example— or entertaining some peculiar religious notions— 
as the Quakers — still preserved their own peculiar manners. 

But in attempting to ascribe some general character to the 
people of the colonies during this period, we might consider 
them, as during our second period, on the whole, exhibiting 
three varieties ; viz. the rigid puritan English of the nortii — 
the Dutch in New-York — and the luxurious English of the 
south. The austerity of the north was, however, much relaxed. 
The elegant varieties of life, which before had been prohibited, 
were tolerated, and the refinements of polished society appeared 
among the higher classes. The strong lines of Dutch manners 
in New- York were slowly disappearing, under an English go- 
vernment, and by means of the settlement of English among 
them. The manners of the south were assuming an aspect of 
more refinement, particularly among the higher classes — but 
showed little other change. 

Section XXX. MtU^iOVl- During this pe- 
riod, the spirit of religious bigotry and intole- 
rance may be observed to have abated in a very 
considerable degree. The conduct of those 
sects, which had called forth those severe and 
unjustifiable restrictions upon the freedom of 
religious virorship, had become less offensive and 
exceptionable ; and at the close of this period, 
religious persecution had ceased in all the colo- 
nies, and the rights of conscience were general- 
ly recognized. 

In 1692, the Mennonites were introduced into Pennsylvania, 
and settled at Germantown. Their increase, however, has been 
small. 

In 1719, the Tunkers, or General Baptists, arrived at Phila- 
delphia, and dispersed themselves into several parts of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

In 1741, the Moravians were introduced into Aiuenca by 
Count Zinzendorf, and settled at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 
Regularity, industry, ingenuity, and economy, are charactmstick 
of this people. They have considerably increased, and are a 
respectable body of Christians. 

The German Lutherans were first introduced into the Ame- 

^ 10 



]10 THREE WARS OF WM. ni....ANNE GEO. II. 

rican colonies, during this period, and settled principally in Penm 
sylvania and New- York. 

Episcopacy was considerably extended during this period. 
In 1693, it was introduced into New- York; into New-Jersey 
and Rhode-Island in 1702 ; into South Carolina in 1703, by 
law; in Connecticut in 1704. 

In ] 7O8, the Saybrook Platform was formed by a Synod, 
composed of congregational ministers, under authority of the le 
gislature of Connecticut. 

About the year 1737, a revival of religion very extensively 
prevailed in New-England. At this time, great numbers united 
themselves to the church, and testified by their conduct through 
life the genuineness of their profession. 

The celebrated Whitfield came to America about the year 
1 740, and produced great religious excitement by his singular 
powers of pulpit eloquence. He did not found any peculiar sect 
in this country, although he gave rise to that of the Calvinistick 
Methodists in England. 

Section XXXI. ^t^'^t Utiti itonXVXtVtt* 

Although the trade of the colonies began to feel 
the restrictions imposed upon it by the mother 
country, still it steadily increased during this 
period. 

From the very commencement of the colonies, the mother 
country was not without her jealousies respecting their increase 
In population, trade, and manufactures. Inquiries on these 
points were instituted, and opportunities sought to keep in check 
the spirit of colonial enterprise. Laws were enacted from time 
to time, designed and calculated not only to make the colonies 
depend on the mother country for her manufactures, but also to 
limit their trade and commerce, and keep them in safe subjection 
to England. 

As illustrating this course of policy, we may notice several 
laws of parliament. In 1732, an act was passed, prohibiting 
" the exportation of hats out of the plantations of America, and 
to restrain the number of apprentices taken by hat makers." 
So also the act of 17.^0, prohibited, on penalty of two hundred 
pounds," the erection of any mill for slitting, or rolling of iron, or 
any plating forge to work with a tilt hammer ; or any furnace for 
making steel in any of the colonies.*' At the same time, en- 
couragement was given to export pig and bar iron to England 
for her manufactories. In like manner v/as prohibited the ex- 
portation from one province to another by water, and even the 
carriage by land, on horseback, or in a cart, of all wools ana 



PERIOD III....1689....1756. lU 

woolen goods of the produce of America. The colonies were 
also compelled by law to procure many articles from England, 
which they could have purchased twenty per cent, cheaper in 
other markets. 

But notwithstanding these restrictions, trade and commerce 
gradually and steadily increased. To England, the colonies 
exported lumber of all sorts, hemp, flax, pitch, tar, oil, rosin, 
copper ore, pig and bar iron, whale fins, tobacco, rice, fish, in 
digo, flax seed, beeswax, raw silk, &c. They also built many 
vessels which were sold in the mother country. 

But the importation of goods from England, in consequence 
of the course p irsued by the British government, was still much 
greater than tlie amount of exports to England. In 1728, sir 
William Keith .stated that the colonies then consumed one sixth 
part of all the woolen manufactures exported from (ireat Britain, 
and more than double that value in linen and calic<.e< : also 
great quantities of English manufactured silks, small wares, 
household furniture, trinkets, and a very considerable value in 
East India goods. From 1739 to 1756, this importation of 
goods from England amounted to one million of pounds sterling 
annually, on an average. 

But, if the amount of imports from Great Britain was thus 
more than the colonies exported thither, the^ would fall in debt 
to England. How did they pay this balance of trade against 
theni ': It was done by gold and silver obtained chiefly from the 
West India settlements, to which they exported lumber, fish of 
an inferior quality, beef, pork, butter, horses, poultry, and other 
live stock, an inferior kind of tobacco, corn, cider, apples, cab- 
bages, onions, &c. They built also many small vessels, which 
found a ready market. 

The cod and whale fisheries were becoming considerable ; 
they were principally ceirried on by New-England. The cod- 
fish were sold in Spain, France, England, the West-Indies, &c. ; 
and the money obtained for them aided the colonies in paying 
the balance of trade against them in England. 

SectionXXXU. ^QVitXtUtXVt^ Agriculture, 
during this period, was greatly improved and ex 
tended. Immense tracts of forests were cleared, 
and more enlightened modes of husbandry were 
introduced. The number of articles produced 
by agriculture was also increased. 

The colonies now not only raised a sufficient supply of food 
for their own use, but their exports became great. Wheat and 
Other English graift were the principal products of the middle 



112 THREE WARS OF WM. III....ANNE....GEO. II. 

colonies ; grain, beef, pork, horses, butter, cheese, &c. were the 
chief products of the northern colonies ; tobacco, wheat, and 
rice, were the principal products of the south. 

In the south, also, large numbers of swine ran wild in the 
forests, living upon mast. These were taken, salted down, and 
exported to a considerable extent. 

Section XXXIII. Mrttu atiH JHattttfacs 

tUVtU* Under the head of commerce, we have 
noticed the obstacles interposed by Great Bri- 
tain, to the progress of arts and manufactures. 
Notwithstanding these, however, the coarser 
kinds of cutlery, some coarse cloths, both linen 
and woollen, hats, paper, shoes, household furni- 
ture, farming utensils, &c. were manufactured 
to a considerable extent ; not sufficient, however, 
to supply the inhabitants. All these manufac- 
tories were on a small scale ; cloths were made 
in some families, for their own consumption. 

The art of prniting made considerable progress, during this 
period. A newspaper, the first in North America, called The 
Boston Weekly Netos-Letter, was established in 1704. Before 
the close of this period, ten others were established — four in 
New-England ; two in New- York ; two in Pennsylvania ; one 
in South Carolina ; and one in Maryland. The number of 
books published was also considerable, although they were ex- 
ecuted in a coarse style, and were generally books of devotion, 
or for the purposes of education. 

Section XXXl\. ^OpttlUtiOn* At the ex- 
piration of our second period, we estimated the 
population of the English colonies in America at 
200,000 souls. About the close of our third pe- 
riod, Franklin calculated that there were then 
one million or upwards, and that scarce 80,000 
had been brought over sea. 

This estimate of the population of America very nearly ac- 
cords with an estimate made in London from " authentick ao- 
thorities," May 1755, which is as follows: 



PERIOD ni,...1689....1756. 113 



New-Hampshire, 30,000 

Massachusetts Bay, 220,000 
R. Island, and Provi- ) „ - ^^^ 

dence Plantations, ^ ' 
Connecticut, 100,000 



New-York, 100,000 

The Jerseys, 60,000 

Pennsylvania, 250,000 

Maryland, 85,000 

Virginia, 85,000 

North Carolina, 45,000 

New-England, 385,000 South Carolina, 30,000 

Mid. and S. Colonies, 661 ,000 Georgia, 6,000 



Total, 1,046,000 661,000 

Section XXXV. ^Tsnt^tiOtl. The south 
em colonies continued to treat the subject of ed- 
ucation differently from the northern colonies, in 
this respect ; in the north, one of the first objects 
of legislation was to provide for the education of 
all classes ; in the south, the education of the 
higher classes only was an object of publick at- 
tention. 

The first publick institution for the purposes of education, 
which succeeded in the south, was that of William and Mary 
College in Virginia, established in 1692, by the sovereigns whose 
lames it bears. 

Yale CoUegt, in Connecticut, was commenced in 1700 — 
eleven oftb*^ principal ministers of the neighbouring towns, who 
lad been appointed to adopt such measures ?.s they should deem 
expedient, on the subject of a college — agi'eeing to found onf;ir 
;he colony. The next year, the legislature granted them a char- 
:er. The college was begun at Say brook, where was held the 
Irst commencement, in 1702. In 1717, it was removed to 
\ew-Haven, where it became permanently established. It was 
lamed after the Hon. Elihu Yale, governour of the East India 
Company, who was its principal benefactor. 

The College, at Princeton, New-Jersey, called " Nassau Hall," 
A'as first founded by charter from John Hamilton, Esq. presi- 
lent of the council, about the year 1738, and was enlarged bv 
jov. Belcher, in 1747. 

XXXVI. The history of this period presents the North Amc- 
I lean Colonies to our view, at the same time that they were vi- 
sited with cruel and desolating wars, still advancing in popula- 

10* 



114 THREE WARS OP WM. III....ANNE..,GEO. II. 

tion, extending their commerce, forming new settlements, enlarg' 
ing the bomidaries of their territory, and laying wider and deep- 
er the foundations of a future nation. And, while we look back, 
with admiration, upon the hardy spirit which carried our ances- 
tors through scenes so trying, and enabled them to reap pros* 
perity from the crimsoned fields of battle and bloodshed, let us 
be thankful that our lot is cast in a happier day ; and that m 
stead of sharing in the perils of feeble colonies, we enjoy the pro 
tection and privileges of a free and powerful nation. 

In addition to the reflections subjoined to the account which 
we have given of the " Salem witchcraft," we may add another, 
respecting the danger oi popular delusion. In that portion of 
our history, we see a kind of madness rising up, and soon 
stretching its influence over a whole community. And such 
too is the pervading power of the spell, that the wise and igno- 
rant, the good and bad, are alike subject to its control, and for 
the time, alike incapable of judging, or reasoning aright. Now, 
whenever we see a community divided into parties, and agitated 
by some general excitement — when we feel ourselves borne 
along on one side or the other, by the popular tide, let us in- 
quire whether we are not acting under the influence of a delu- 
sion, which a (ew years, perhaps a kw months, or days, ma}' 
dispel and expose. — Nor, at such a time, let us regard our sin- 
cerity, or our consciousness of integrity, or the seeming clear- 
ness and certainty of our reasonings, as furnishing an absolute 
assurance that, after all, we do not mistake, and that our oppo- 
nents are not right. 

Another reflection of some importance, and one that may 
serve to guard us against censuring, too severely, the wise and 
good, is suggested by this account of the " Salem witchcraft." 
It is, that the best men are liable to err. We should not, there- 
fore, condemn, nor should we withhold our charity from those 
who fall into occasional errour, provided their characters are 
in other respects ' • s lay claim to our good opinion. 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR THE FRENCH AND INDIAN 

WAR 

Extending from the Declaration of War hy 
England against France^ 1756, to the Com' 
mencement of Hostilities hy Great Britain 
against the American Colonies^ in the Battle 
of Lexington, 1775. 

Section I. The war, which ended in the treaty 
of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748, had been highly in- 
jurious to the general prosperity of his Majesty's 
Colonies in America ; and the return of peace 
found them in a state of impoverishment and 
distress. Great losses had been sustained in 
their commerce, and many of their vessels had 
been seized on the coast by privateers. Bills of 
credit to the amount of several millions, had been 
issued to carry on the war, which they were now 
unable to redeem, and the losses of men in va- 
rious expeditions against the enemy, had seri- 
ously retarded the increase of population. 

The expenses of the northern colonies, including New-Eng'- 
land and New- York, during the war, were estimated at not less 
than one million pounds sterling. Massachusetts alone is said 
to have paid half this sum, and to have expended nearly four 
hundred thousand pounds, in the expedition against Cape Bre-^ 
ton. The expenses of Carolina, for the war in that quarter, 
were not less in proportion. 

To supply the deficiency of money, bills of credit were issued 
to the amount of several millions. Th, bills issued by Massa- 
chusetts, during two or three years of the war, amounted to be- 
vween two and three millions currency ; while at the i\m j of 



116 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

their emission, five or six hundred pounds were equal to • ^ly 
one hundred pounds sterling. Before the complete redemption 
of these bills, says Dr. Trumbull, in those colonies, where their 
credit was best supported, the depreciation was nearly twenty 
for one. 

The losses sustained by the colonies, in the fall of many of 
their bravest men, during this and the last Indian war, were se- 
verely felt. From 1722 to 1749, a period of twenty-seven years, 
the losses of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire equalled tlie 
whole increase of their numbers, whereas, in the natural course 
of population, their numbers would have more than doubled. 

Such, in few words, was the general state of 
the colonies, at the close of this war. The re- 
turn of peace was hailed as the harbinger of bet- 
ter days, and the enterprising spirit of the peo- 
ple soon exerted itself to repair the losses which 
had been sustained. Commerce, therefore, 
again flourished ; population increased ; settle- 
ments were extended ; and piiblick credit revived 

Section 11. Scarcely, however, had the colo- 
nies time to reap the benefits of peace, before 
the prospect was clouded, and the sound of ap- 
proaching war filled the land with general anx- 
iety and distress. After an interval of only about 
eight years, from 1748 to May 18th 1756, Great 
Britain, under George II. formally declared war 
against France, which declaration was recipro- 
cated on the ninth of June, by a similar declara- 
tion on the part of France, under Louis XV. 
against Great Britain. 

The general cause, leading to this war, com- 
monly called the " French and Indian War,^^ 
was the alleged encroachments of the French, 
upon the frontiers of the colonies in America, 
belonging to the English Crown. 

These encroachments were made upon Nova Scotia m the 
east, whicli had been ceded to Great Britain, by the 12th article 
of the treaty of Utrecht, but to a considerable part of which the 
Frcjioh laid, claim, and, in several places, were erecting fortifi- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. II7 

cations. In the north and west, they were settling and fortify- 
ing Crown Point, and, in the west, were not only attempting to 
complete a line of forts from the head of the St. Lawrence to 
the Mississippi, but were encroaching far on Virginia. 

The circumstance which served to open the 
war, was the alleged intrusion of the Ohio Com,' 
pany upon the territory of the French. This 
company consisted of a number of influential men, 
from London and Virginia, who had obtained a 
charter grant of six hundred thousand acres of 
land, on and near the river Ohio, for the purpose 
of carrying on the fur trade with the Indians, 
and of settling the country. 

The governour of Canada had early intelli- 
gence of the transactions of this company. Fear- 
ing that their plan would deprive the French of 
the advantages of the fur trade, and prevent 
communications between Canada and Louisiana, 
he wrote to the governour of New-York and 
Pennsylvania, claiming the country east of the 
Ohio to the AUeghanies, and forbidding the 
further encroachments of the English traders. 

A.S yet. the Pennsylvaniaas had principally managed the trade 
With the Indians. But, being now about to be deprived of it, 
by the Ohio Company, who were opening a road to the Poto- 
mac, they excited the fears of the Indians, lest their lands should 
be taken from them, and gave early intelligence to the French, 
of the designs and transactions of the Company. 

The French governour soon manifested his hostile determina- 
nation, by seizing several of the English traders, and carrying 
them to a French port on the south of Lake Erie. — The Twight- 
wees, a tribe of Indians in Ohio, near Miami river, among 
whom the English had been trading, resented the seizure, and, 
by way of retaliation, took several French traders, and sent them 
to Pennsylvania. 

In the mean time, a communication was open- 
ed along the French Creek and Alleghany ri- 
ver, between Fort Presqu' He, on Lake Erie, 
and the Ohio ; and French troops were station- 



118 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

ed at convenient distances, secured by tempo 
rary fortifications. 

The Ohio Company, thus threatened with the 
destruction of their trade, were now loud in their 
complaints. Dinwiddie, lieut. governour of Vir- 
ginia, to whom these complaints were addressed, 
laid the subject before the assembly, which or- 
dered amessengerto be despatched to the French 
commandant on the Ohio, to demand the rea^^ons 
of his hostile conduct, and to summon the French 
to evacuate their forts in that region 

Section III. The person entrusted with this 
service was George Washw^ton, who at the 
early age of twenty-one, thus stepped forth in 
the publick cause, and began tlii't line of servi- 
ces, which ended in the independence of his 
country. 

The service to which Washington was now 
appomted, was both difficult and dangerous ; the 
place of his destination being above four hun- 
dred miles distant, two hundred of which lay 
through a trackless desert inhabited by Indians, 
He arrived m safety, however, and delivered a 
letter from Gov. Dinwiddie to the commandant. 
Having received a written answer, and secretly 
taken the dimensions of the fort, he returned. 
The reply of the commandant to Gov. Dinwiddie 
was, that he had taken possession of the country, 
under the direction of the governour-general of 
Canada, to whom he would transmit his letter, 
and whose orders only he would obey. 

Section IV. The British ministry, on being 
made acquainted with the claims, conduct, and 
determination of the French, without a formal 
declaration of war, instructed the Virginians ta 
resist their encroachments, by force of arms 



TRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. ll{) 

Accordingly a regiment was raised in Virginia, 
which was joined by an independent company 
from South Carolina, and with this force, Wash- 
ington, who was appointed to command the ex- 
pedition, and was now raised from the rank of 
major to that of colonel, marched early in April, 
1754, towards the Great Meadows, lying within 
the disputed territories, for the purpose of expel- 
ling the French. The enterprise of Washing- 
ton and his troops was highly creditable to them^ 
but the French forces being considerably supe- 
rior, he was obliged to capitulate, with the pri- 
vilege, however, of returning with his troops to 
Virginia. 

On his arrival at the Great Meadows, he learned that the 
French had dispossessed some Virginians of a fortification, 
which the latter were erecting for the Ohio Company, at the 
confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela, and were en- 
gaged in completing it, for their own use. He also learned, 
that a detachment from that place, then on its march towards 
the Great Meadows, had encamped for the night, in a low and 
retired situation. 

Under the guidance of some friendly Indians, and under co- 
ver of a dark and rainy night, this party he surprised and cap- 
tured. Having erected, at the Great Meadows, a small stock- 
ade fort, afterwards called Fort Necessity, he proceeded with his 
troops, reinforced by troops from New-York, and others from 
South Carolina, to nearly four hundred men, towards the French 
fort, Du Quesne, now Pittsburg, with the intention of dislodging 
the enemy. Hearing, however, that the enemy were approach- 
ing, he judged it prudent to retire to Fort Necessity. Here the 
enemy, one thousand five hundred strong, under the command 
of M. de Villiers, soon appeared and commenced a furious at- 
tack on the fort. After an engagement of several hours, de 
Villiers demanded a parley, and ofiered terms of capitulation. 
These terms were rejected ; but during the night, July 4th, ar- 
ticles were signed, by which Washington was permitted, upon 
surrendering the fort, to march with his troops, unmolested, to 
Virginia. 

Such was the beginning of open hostilities, 
which were succeeded by a series of other hos- 



I 

120 PERIOD IV.t..l756....1775. 

tilities characterised by the spirit and manner of 
war, although the formal declaration of war was 
not made until 1756, two years after, as already 
mentioned. 

Section V. The British ministry, perceiving 
war to be inevitable, recommended to the Bri- 
tish colonies in America, to unite in some scheme 
for their common defence. Accordingly, a con- 
vention of delegates from Massachusetts, New- 
Hampshire, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, with the iieut. governour andj 
council of New-York, was held at Albany, this 
year, 1 754, and a plan of union adopted, resem- 
bling, in several of its features, the present con- 
stitution of the United States. 

But the plan met with the approbation, nei- 
ther of the Provincial Assemblies, nor the King's 
Council. By the former, it was rejected, be- 
cause it gave too much power to the crown, and 
by the latter, because it gave too much power to 
the people. 

According to this plan, a grand council was to be formed oi 
members chosen by the piovincial assemblies, and sent from all 
the colonies; which council, with a governour general, appoint 
ed by the crown, and having a negative voice, should be em- 
powered to make general laws, to raise money in all the colonies 
for their defence, to call forth troops, regulate trade, lay duties, 
&c. &c. 

The plan, thus matured, was approved and signed, on the 
fourth of July, the day that Washington surrendered Fort Ne- 
cessity, and twenty-two years before the declaration of Inde- 
pendence, by all the delegates, excepting those from Connecti- 
cut, who objected to the negative voice of the governour gene- 
ral. 

One circumstance, in the history of this plan, deserves here to 
be recorded, as evincing the dawning spirit of the revolution. 
Although the plan was rejected by the provincial assemblies, 
they declared, without reserve, that if it were adopted, they 
would undertake to defend themselves from the French, without 
any assistance from Great Britain. They required, but to be ' 



f FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 121 

left to employ their sapplies in their own way, to effect their se- 
curity and predominance. 

The mother country was too jealous to trust such powers 
with the Americans, but she proposed another plan, designed to 
lay a foundation for the perpetual dependence and slavery of the 
colonies. This plan was, that the governours, with one, or 
more of their council, should form a convention to concert mea- 
sures for the general defence, to erect fortifications, raise men, 
&c. &c. with power to draw upon the British treasury, to defra\' 
all charges ; which charges should be reimbursed 63/ tajces upon 
the colonies, imposed hy acts of parliament. But to allow the 
British government the right of taxation — to lay the colonies 
under the obligations of a debt to be thus liquidated — to subject 
themselves to the rapacity of king's collectors, we scarcely need 
say, was a proposal which met with universal disapprobation. 

Section VI. Early in the spring of 1755, pre- 
parations were made, by the colonies, for vigor- 
ous exertions against the enemy. Four expedi- 
tions were planned. One against the French 
in Nova Scotia ; a second against the French on 
the Ohio ; a third against Crown Point ; and a 
fourth against Niagara. 

Section VII. The expedition against Nova <Sco- 
i^ia, consisting of three thousand men, chiefly from 
Massachusetts, was led by gen. Monckton and 
gen. Winslow. VV^ith these troops, they sailed 
from Boston, May 20th, and on the 1st of June, 
arrived at Chignecto, on the bay of Fundy. After 
being joined by three hundred British troops and a 
small train of artillery, they proceeded against 
fort Beau Sejour, which, after four days invest- 
ment, surrendered. The name of the fort was 
now changed to that of Cumberland. From this 
place Gen. Monckton proceeded further into the 
country, took the other forts in possession of the 
French, and disarmed the inhabitants. By this 
successful expedition, the English possessed 
themselves of the whole country of Nova Scotic^, 
a part of which, as already noticed, the French 

11 



122 PERIOD IV,...1756....1Tr5 ^ 

claimed ; its tranquillity was restored and placed 
upon a permanent basis. ^ 

In this whole expedition, the English took but twenty men 
Large quantities of provisions and military stores fell into their 
hands, with a number of valuable cannon. 

The French force in Nova Scotia being subdued, a difficult 
question occurred, respecting the disposal to be made of the in 
habitants. Fearing that they might join the French in Canada 
whom they had before furnished with intelligence, quarters, and 
provisions, it was determined to disperse them among the Eng- 
lish colonies. Under this order, one thousand nine hundred 
were thus dispersed. 

% Section VIII. The expedition against the 
French, on the Ohio^ was led by Gen. Braddock, 
a British officer, who commenced his march from 
Virginia, in June, with about two thousand men. 
Apprehensive that Fort du Quesne, against 
which he was proceeding, might be reinforced, 
Braddock, with one thousand two hundred se- 
lected troops, hastened his march, leaving Col. 
Dunbar to follow more slowly, with the other 
troops and the heavy baggage. 

On the 8th of July. Braddock had advanced 
sixty miles forward of Col. Dunbar, and within 
twelve or fourteen miles of Fort du Quesne. 
Here he Was advised by his officers to proceed 
with caution, and was earnestly entreated by Col 
Washington, his aid, to permit him to precede 
the army, and guard against suprise. Too 
haughty and self-confident to receive advice, 
Braddock, without any knowledge of the condi- 
tion of the enemy, continued to press towards 
the fort. About twelve o'clock, July 9th, when 
within seven miles of the fort, he was suddenly 
attacked by a body of French and Indians. Al- 
though the enemy did n«t exceed five hundred, 
yet, after an action of three hours, Braddock, un- 
der whom five horses had been killed, was mor- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 328 

tally wounded, and his troops defeated. The 
loss of the English army was sixty-four out of 
sixty-five officers, and about one half of the pri- 
vates. 

This unfortunate defeat of Gen. Braddock is to be ascribed 
to his imprudence, and too daring intrepidity. Had he attended 
to those precautions which were recommended to him, lie would 
not have been thus ambuscaded ; or had he wisely retreated from 
a concealed enemy, and scoured the thicket with his cannon, 
the melancholy catastrophe might have been avoided. But, ob- 
stinately riveted to the spot on which he was first attacked, he 
vainly continued his attempt to form his men in regular oruer, 
although, by this means, a surer prey to the enemy, until being 
himself wounded, he could no longer be accessary to the de- 
struction of human life. 

A remarkable fact in the history of this aflfair remains to be 
told. Gen. Braddock held the provincial troops in great con- 
tempt. Consequently, he kept the Virginians, and other pro- 
vincials, who were in the action, in the rear. Yet, although 
equally exposed with the rest, far from being aflfected with the 
fears that disordered the regular tmops, they stood firm and un- 
broken, and, under Col. Washington, covered the retreat of the 
regulars, and saved them from total destruction. 

The retreat of the army, after Braddock was wounded, was 
precipitate. No pause was made until the rear division was met. 
This division on its junction with the other, was seized with 
the same spirit of flight with the retreating, and both divisions 
proceeded to Fort Cumberland, a distance of nearly one hun- 
dred and twenty miles from the place of action. 

Had the troops, even here, recovered their spirits and return- 
ed, success might still have crowned the expedition. At least^ 
the army might have rendered the most important service to the 
cause, by preventing the devastations and inhuman murders, 
perpetrated by the French and Indinns, during the summer, on 
the western borders of Virginia and Pennsylvania. But, instead 
of adopting a course so salutary and important. Col. Dunbar, 
leaving the sick and wounded at Cumberland, marched with his 
troops to Philadelphia. 

ection IX. The expedition against Crown 
Point was led by Gen. William Johnson, a mem- 
ber of the council of New-York, and although it 
failed as to its main object, yet its results dilfused 
exultation through the American colonies, and 



124 PERIOD IV....I756....1775. 

dispelled the gloom which followed Braddock^s 
defeat. 

The army, under Johnson, arrived at the s(»uth 
end of Lake George, the latter part of August. 
While here, intelligence was received that a body 
of the enemy, two thousand in number, had land- 
ed at Southbay, now fVhitehall, under command 
of Baron Dieskau and were marching towards 
Fort Fdward, for the purpose of destroying the 
provisions and military stores there. 

At a council of war, held on the morning of 
Sept. 8th, it was resolved to detach a party to 
intercept the French, and save the fort. This 
party consisted of twelve hundred men, cc»m- 
manded by Col. Ephraim Williams of Deerfield, 
Massachusetts. Unfortunately, this detachment 
was surprised by Dieskau, who was lying in 
ambush for ihem. ATter a most signal slaugh- 
ter, in which Col. Williams and Hendrick, a re- 
nowned Mohawk sachem, and many other offi- 
cers fell, the detachment was obliged to retreat. 

The firing was heard in the camp of Johnson, 
and as it seemed to approach nearer and nearer, 
it was naturally conjectured that the English 
troops were repulsed. The best preparations 
which the time allowed, were made to receive 
the advancing foe. Dieskau, with his troops, 
soon appeared and commenced a spirited attack. 
They were received, however, with so much in- 
. trepidity — the cannon and musquetry did so 
much execution among their ranks, that the ene- 
my retired in great disorder, having experienced 
a signal defeat. The loss of the French was not 
less than eight hundred, Dieskau estimated them 
himself at one thousand, and this loss was ren- 
dered still more severe to the French, by a mor- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 125 

tal wound which this distinguished officer him- 
self received, and in consequence of which he fell 
into the hands of the English. The loss of the 
English did not much exceed two hundred. 

Few events of no greater magnitude leave 
stronger impressions than resulted from the bat- 
tle of Lake George. Following as it did the 
discomfiture of Braddock, it served to restore the 
honour of the British arms, and the tone of the 
publick mind. 

At the time it was meditated to send a detachmant under 
Col. Williams, to intercept Dieskau, the number of men propos- 
ed was mentioned to Hendrick, the Mohawk chief, and his opi 
nion asked. He replied, " If they are to fight, they are too few. 
If they are to be killed, they are too many." The number was 
accordingly increased. Gen. Johnson proposed also to divide 
the detachment into three parties. Upon this- Hendrick took 
three sticks, and putting them together, said to him, " Put these 
together, and you cannot break them ; take them one by one, 
and you will break them easily." The hint succeeded, and 
Ilendrick's sticks saved many of the party, and probably the 
whole army from destruction.* 

Early in the action. Gen. Johnson was wounded, and Gen. 
Lyman succeeded to the command, which he held through the 
day. To this gentleman's gallant exertions, the success of the 
day, under Providtnce, was chiefly to be ascribed. Yet it is 
remarkable, that Gen. Johnson made no mention of Gen. Ly- 
man in his official letter, announcing the intelligence of the 
victory. The ambition of Johnson was too great, and his ava- 
rice too greedy, to acknowledge the merits of a rival. Gen. 
Johnson was created a baronet, and parliament voted him five 
thousand pounds sterling, in consideration of his success. The 
reward of Gen. Lyman was the esteem and honour of the peo- 
ple among whom he lived. 

Among the wounded of the French, as already stated, was 
the Baron Dieskau. He had received a ball through his leg^ 
and Deing unable to follow his retreating army, was found by 
an English soldier, resting upon the stump of a tree, with 
scarcely an attendant. Dieskau, apprehensive for his safety, 
was feeling for his watch, in order to give it to the soldier, wh?" 



* Dwight's Travcils. 
11* 



126 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

the man, suspecting that he was feeling for a pistol, levelled hi^ 
gun, and wounded him in the hips. He was carried to the 
camp, and treated with great kindness. From the camp he wai 
taken to Albany and New- York, whence, some time after, he 
sailed for England, where he died. He was a superior officer, 
possessed of honourable feelings, and adorned with highly 
polished manners. One stain, however, atfaches to his charac- 
ter. Before his engagement with Col. Williams' corps, he gave 
orders to his troops neither to give nor take quarter. 

Section X. The expedition against Niagara 
was committed to Gov. Shirley of Massachusetts, 
whose force amounted to two thousand five hun- 
dred men. But the season was too far advanced, 
before his preparations were completed, to effect 
any thing of importance. — After proceeding to 
Oswego, on Lake Ontario, the army being poor- 
ly supplied with provisions, and the rainy season 
approaching, the expedition was abandoned, and 
the troops returned to Albany. Thus ended the 
campaign of 1 755. 

Section XI. In the spring of the ensuing year, 
1756, Gov. Shirley was succeeded by Gen. Aber- 
crombie, who was appointed to command, until 
the arrival of the earl of Loudon, commander in 
chief of all his majesty's forces in America. 

The hostilities of the two preceding years had 
been carried on without any formal proclamation 
of war ; but this year, June 9th, as already stat- 
ed, war was declared by Great Britain against 
France, and soon after, by France against Great 
Britain, in turn. 

The plan of operations for the campaign of 
'56 embraced the attack of Niagara and Crown 
Point, which were still in possession of the 
French. Both these places were of great im- 
portance ; the former being the connecting link 
in the line of fortifications between Canada and 
Louisiana; and the latter commanding Lake 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 127 

Cliamplain, and guarding the only passage, at 
that time, into Canada. But important as were 
these posts, the reduction of neither was this year 
accomplished, nor even attempted, owing, chiefly, 
to the great delays of those who held the chief 
command. 

Ti"oops were raised for the expedition against Crown Point, 
amounting to seven thousand, the command of whom was assign- 
ed to major-general Winslow, of Massachusetts. But his march 
was delayed by obstacles ascribed to the improvidence of Aber- 
crombie. 

After the mortal wound received by Dieskau, 
at the battle of Lake George, the Marquis de 
Montcalm, an able and enterprising officer, suc- 
ceeded to the command of the French forces. 
In the month of August, this officer, with eight 
thousand regulars, Canadians and Indians, in- 
vested the fort at Oswego, on the south side of 
Lake Ontario, — one of the most important posts 
held by the English in America, — and in a few 
days took it. On the receipt of this intelligence, 
lord Loudon, who had arrived in Albany, and 
entered upon the command, despatched orders 
lO Gen. Winslow, on his march towards Crown 
Point, not to proceed. 

The fall of the fort at Oswego was most unfortunate for the 
English, and their loss of men made prisoners, and munitions 
of war, peculiarly severe. By the capture of this post, the ene- 
my obtained the entire command of the lakes Ontario and Erie, 
and of the whole country of the Five Nations. Sixteen hundred 
men were made prisoners, and one hundred and twenty pieces 
of rannon were taken, with fourteen mortars, two sloops of war, 
and two hundred boats and batteaux. 

After this disastrous event, all offensive opera- 
tions were immediately relinquished, although 
it was then three months to the time of the usual 
decampment of the army. Thus through the 
inactivity of a man, whose leading trait was in- 
decision, not one object of the campaign wa? 



128 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

gained, nor one purpose accomplished, either ho 
nourable or important. 

Section XII. Notwithstanding the failure of 
the campaign of this season, the British Parlia- 
ment made great preparations to prosecute the 
war the succeeding year, 1757. In July, an ar- 
mament of eleven ships of the line and fifty tran- 
sports, with more than six thousand troops, ar- 
rived at Halifax, destined for the reduction of 
Louisburg. — The colonies had been raising men 
for an expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. Great was their mortification and disap- 
pointment, when they learned from the orders 
of lord Loudon, that these troops were to be 
employed against Louisburg. Such inconstancy 
and fluctuation appeared beneath the dignity of 
the commander in chief. But they were obliged 
tc submit, and lord Loudon proceeded to join 
the armament at Halifax. 

So dilatory were their measures, however, 
that before they were ready to sail, Louisburg 
was reinforced by a fleet of seventeen sail, and 
with troops to make it nine thousand strong. 
On the reception of this intelligence, it was deem- 
ed inexpedient to proceed, and the expedition 
was abandoned. 

Section XIII. While weakness and indecision 
were marking the counsels of the English, the 
French continued to urge on their victories. 
Montcalm, still commander of the French in the 
north, finding the troops withdrawn from Hali- 
fax, for the reduction of Louisburg, seized the 
occasion to make a descent on Fort William 
Henry, situated on the north shore of Lake 
George. The garrison of the fort consisted of 
three thousand men. With a force of nine thou- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 129^ 

sand men, Montcalm laid siege to it.— After a 
gallant defence of six days, the garrison surren- 
dered, thus giving to Montcalm the command of 
the lake, and of the western frontier. 

The spirited and protracted defence of the fort, against such 
numbers, reflects the highest honour upon its brave commander, 
Col. Munroe. Six days was the enemy kept at bay, with una- 
bated resolution, in full expectation of assistance from Gen. 
Webb, who lay at Fort Edward, only fifteen miles distant, with 
an array of four thousand men. 

The character of Gen. Webb continues sullied, by his unpar- 
donable indifference to the perilous situation of his brethren in 
arras, at Fort William Henry. It deserves to be known that 
Sir William Johnson, aftei very importunate solicitations, ob- 
tained leave of General Webb to march with as many as would 
volunteer in the service, to the relief of Munroe. 

At the beat of the drums, the provincials, almost to a man, 
sallied forth, and were soon ready and eager for the march. Af- 
ter beuig under arms almost all day, what were their feelings 
when Sir William, returning from head-quarters, informed them 
that General Webb had forbidden them to march ! 

The soldiers were inexpressibly mortified and enraged, — and 
their commander did himself no common honour in the tears he 
shed, as he turned from his troops, and retired to his tent. 

The defence of Fort William Henry was so gallant, that Col. 
Munroe, with his troops, was admitted to an honourable capitu 
lation. The capitulation, however, was most shamefully broken. 
While the troops were marching out at the gate of the fort, the 
Indians attached to Montcalm's party, dragged the men from 
their ranks, and with all the inhumanity of savage feeling, plun- 
dered them of their baggage, and butchered them in cold blood. 
Out of a New-Hampshire corps of two hundred, eighty were 
missing. 

It is said that efforts were made by the French to restrain the 
barbarians, but the truth of the assertion may well be doubted, 
when it is considered that Montcalm's force was at least seven 
thousand French, and yet these barbarians were not restrained. 

Section XIV. In 1758, most fortunately for 
the honour of the British arms, and for the sal- 
vation of the colonies, a change took place in the 
ministry of England. The celebrated Pitt, lord 
Chatham, now placed at the head of the admi- 
nistration, breathed a new soul into the British 



ISO PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

councils, and revived the energies of the colo- 
nies, weakened and exhausted by a series of ill 
contrived and unfortunate expeditions. The tide 
of succe&s now turned in favour of the English, 
who continued, with some few exceptions, to 
achieve one victory after another, until the 
whole of Canada surrendered to the British arms. 

Pitt, upon coming into offline, addressed a cir- 
cular to the colonial govern ours, in which he as- 
sured them of the determinalion of the ministry 
to send a large force to America, and called upon 
them to raise as many troops, as the number of 
inhabitants would allow. The colonies were 
promptand liberal in furnishing the retjuisite sup- 
plies. xMassachusetts, Connecticut, and New- 
Hampshire, unitedly, raised fifteen thousand 
men, who were ready to take the field in May. 

Section XV. Three expeditions were propos- 
ed — the first against Louisburg ; the second 
against Ticonderoga ; the third against Fort Du 
Quesne.* 

Section XVI. On the expedition against Lou- 
isburg, admiral Boscawen sailed from Halifax, 
May 28th, with a fleet of twenty ships of the line, 
eighteen frigates, and an army of fourteen thou- 
sand men, under the command of brigadier Gen, 
Amherst, next to whom in command was Gen. 
Wolfe. On the 26th of July, after a vigorous 
resistance, this fortress was surrendered, and 
with it five thousand seven hundred and thirty- 
seven prisoners of war, and one hundred and 
twenty cannon, besides which the enemy lost 
five ships of the line and four frigates. At the 

♦ Pronounced Du-Kane. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. iSl 

same time,Isle Royal, St. Johns, with Cape Bre- 
ton, fell into the hands of the English, who now 
became masters of the coast from St. Lawrence 
to Nova Scotia. 

The surrender of this fortress was a more signal loss to France 
than any which she had sustained since the commencement of 
the war. It greatly obstructed hei communications with Cana- 
da, and was powerfully instrumental in hastening the subjuga* 
tion of that country to the British crown. 

Section XVII. The expedition against Ticon- 
deroga was conducted by Gen. Abercrombie. 
commander in chief in America, lord Loudon 
having returned to England. An army of six- 
teen thousand men, nine thousand of whom were 
provincials, followed his standard, besides a for- 
midable train of artillery. 

Having passed Lake George, the army pro- 
ceeded with great difficulty towards the fortress. 
Unfortunately, Gen. Abercrombie trusted to 
others, who were incompetent to the task, to re- 
connoitre the ground and entrenchments of the 
enemy, and, without a knowledge of the strength 
of the places, or of the propei points of attack, 
issued his orders to attempt tlie lines without 
bringing up a single piece of artillery. 

The army advanced to the charge with the 
greatest intrepidity, and for moi*e than four 
hours maintained the attack with incredible ob- 
stinacy. 

After the loss of nearly two thousand in killed 
and wounded the troops were summoned away. 
The retreat was as unhappy as the attack had been 
precipitate and ill advised. Not a doubt can ra- 
tionally exist, that had the siege been prosecuted 
with prudence and vigour, the reduction of the 
place would have been easily accomplished, 
without so great a waste of Human life, as the 



132 PERIOD IV....175G....1775. 

garrison amounted to but little more than tkree j 
thousand men. 

The passage of Abercrombie, across Lake George on his i 
way with his army to Ticonderoga, was eflfected by means of ! 
one thousand and thirty-five boats. The splendour of the mili- j 
tary parade on the occasion was eminently imposing, and de- 
serves to be recorded. A late writer, Dr. Dwight, thus de- i 
scribes it. i 

" The morning was remarkably bright and beautiful ; and the 
fleet moved with exact regularity to ihe sound of fine martial 
musick. The ensigns waved and glittered in the sun-beams, 
and the anticipation of future triumph shone in every eye. 
Above, beneath, around, the scenery was that of enchantment. 
Rarely has the sun, since that luminary was first lighted up in 
the heavens, dawned on such a complication of beauty and 
magnificence." How greatly did all the parade which was dis- 
played, and all the anticipation which was indulged, add to the 
mortification of the defeat which followed ! 

After his repulse, Gen. Abercrombie retired 
to his former quarters on Lake George. Here, 
anxious in any way to repair the mischief and 
disgrace of defeat, he consented, at the solicita- 
tion of Col. Bradstreet, to detach him with three 
thousand men, against fort Frontenac, on the 
northwest side of the outlet of Lake Ontario. 
With these troops, mostly provincial, Bradstreet 
sailed down the Ontario, landed within a mile 
of the fort, opened his batteries, and, in two 
days, forced this important fortress to surrender 
Nine armed vessels, sixty cannon, sixteen mor- 
tars, and a vast quantity of ammunition, &-c. &c. 
fell into his hands. 

Section XVIK. To dispossess the French at 
Fort Du Quesiie, the bulwark of their dominion 
over the western regions, was a third expedition 
contemplated this year. This enterprise was 
entrusted to Gen. Forbes, who left Philadelphia 
in July, but did not arrive at Du Q,uesne till late 
in November. The force collected for the at 




Settlement at Dover, p. 33. 




First house erected in Connecticut, p. 36. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. I35 

i tack amounted to eight thousand effective men. 
I An attack, however, was needless, the fort hav- 
ing been deserted by the garrison the evening 
before the arrival of the army. On taking quiet 
' possession of the place, Forbes, in honour of Mr. 
Pitt, called it Pittsburg. 

Notwithstanding the defeat of Ticonderoga, 
the campaign closed with honour to the colonies, 
and to the nation in general. The successes of 
the year prepared the way for the still greater 
achievements of the ensuing year. 

Section XIX. Another event of this year con- 
curred in bringing to pass the fortunate issues of 
the next. This was a treaty of peace and friend- 
ship with the Indian nations inhabiting between 
the Apalachian mountains, the Alleghanies, anfl 
the lakes. This treaty was concluded at Easton. 
sixty miles from Philadelphia. 

The managers of the treaty on the part of Great Britain, were 
the governours of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, Sir William 
Johnson, four members of the council of Pennsylvania, six 
members of assembly, and two agents from New-Jersey. 

The tribes represented on this occasion, and with which the 
treaty was made, were the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagoes, 
Cayugas, Senecas, Tuscaroras, Nanticoques, and Conays, the 
Tuteloes, Chugnuts, Delawares, Unamies, Minisinks, Mohicans, 
and Wappingers. The whole number of Indians, including 
women and children, present, amounted to five hundred. 

Section XX. The campaign of 1759 had,*for 
its object, the entire conquest of Canada. For 
this purpose, it was determined, that three pow- 
erful armies should enter Canada by di^rent 
routes, and attack, at nearly the same time, all 
the strong holds of the French in that country. 
These were Ticonderoga and Crown Pointy Ni- 
agara and Quebec. 

Section XXI. Gen. Amherst, who had suc- 
ceeded Abercrombie, as commander in chief, 

12 



134 PERIOD IV....1766....1775. 

led one division against Ticonderoga, which he 
reached July 22d. This fortress soon surender 
ed, the principal part of the garrison having re- 
tired to Crown Point. Having strengthened Ti- 
conderoga, the army next proceeded against this 
latter place, and took quiet possession of it, the 
enemy having fled before their arrival. 

The French retired to the Isle auxINoix, situated at the north- 
ern extremity of Lake Champlain, where they were strongly 
encamped with a force of three thousand five hundred men, and 
a powerful artillery. Gen. Amherst designed to follow up his 
successes against them in that quarter, but the want of a suitable 
naval armament prevented. 

Section XXII. The second division of the 
army, commanded by Gen. Prideaux, was des- 
tined against Niagara, at which place they ar- 
rived July 6th, without loss or opposition. The 
place was immediately invested : on the 24th of 
the month, a general battle took place, which 
decided the fate of Niagara, and placed it in the 
hands of the English. 

Four days previous to this battle, that able and distinguished 
officer. General Prideaux, was killed by the bursting of a co- 
horn. The command devolved on Sir William Johnson, who 
successfully put in execution the plans of his lamented pi-ede- 
cessor. 

Section XXIII. While the English troops 
were achieving these important victories in Up- 
per Canada, Gen. Wolfe was prosecuting the 
most important enterprise of the campaign, viz. 
the reduction of Quebec. Embarking at Louis- 
burg with eight thousand men, under convoy of 
Admirals Saunders and Holmes, he landed with 
his troops in June, on the island of Orleans, a 
little below Quebec. 

After several attempts to reduce the place, 
which proved unsuccessful, Wolfe conceived the 
pioject of ascending with his troops, a precipice 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. I35 

of from 150 to 200 feet, by which he would reach 
the plains of Abraham, lying south and west of 
the city, and thus gain access to the enemy, in a 
less fortified spot. 

This ascent he effected with his army, and ere 
Montcalm, the French general, was aware of it, 
the army had formed on the heights of Abraham, 
and were prepared for battle. 

Here, on the morning of the 13th of Septem- 
ber, Wolfe met the French army under Mont- 
calm, and after a severe and bloody contest, in 
which both these brave commanders fell, victory 
decided in favour of the English. A thousand 
prisoners were taken, and a thou^ami ot the ene- 
my were killed. The loss of* the Enghsh, in 
killed and wounded did not exceed si\ hundred. 
Five days after, the city capitulaied; the in- 
habitanty were to enjoy their civil and religious 
rights, and remain neutral during the war. The 
city was garrisoned under the command of Gen. 
Murray. 

Determined from the first to take the place, impregnable as 
it was acconnt'^cl, th^ measures of Gen. Wolfe, were singularly 
bold, and apparently repugnant to all the maxims of war. His 
attention was first drawn to point Levi, on the southern bank of 
ihe St. Lawrence, upon which, after taking p )ssession of it. he 
erected battt-ries. By means of these, be destroyed many hi>uses, 
but from this point it was soon apparent thnt littl" unp.-ession 
could be made upon the fortifications of the town. 

Finding it impracticable thus to accomplish his purpose, Wolfe 
next decided on more daring measures. For the purpose of 
drawing Montcalm to a general battle, Wolfe, with his troops, 
crossed the river Montmorenci, and attacked the enemy in their 
amrenchments. Owing, howevei , to the grounding of some oJ 
the boats which conveyed the troops, a part of the detachment 
did not land so soon as the others. The corps that first land'd, 
svitnout waiting to form, ruslied forward, impetuously, towards 
;he enemy's entrenchments. But their courage proved theii- 
iiin. A close and well directed fire from the enemy cut them 
Jown in great numbers. 



15G PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

ftlontcalm's party had now landed, jand were drawn up on 
I lie beach in order. But it was near night, a thunder storm • 
WHS approaching, and the tide was rapidly setting In. Fearing 
t'.ie consequences of delay, Wolfe ordered a retreat across the 
Moatmorenci, and returned to his quarters oh the Isle of Or- 
leans. In this rencounter, his loss amounted to near six hun* 
dred of the flower of his array. 

The difficulties of effecting the conquest of Quebec now press- 
ed upon Wolfe with all their force. But he knew the import- 
ance of taking this strongest hold — he knew the expectations of 
his countrymen— he well knew that no military conduct could 
shine that was not gilded with success. 

Disappointed thus far, and worn down with fatigue and watch- 
ing, General Wolfe fell violently sick. Scarcely had he reco- 
vered, before he proceeded to put in execution a plan which had 
be«n matured on his sick bed. This was to proceed up the ri- 
ver — ^gain the heights ol Abraham, and draw Montcsdm to a 
general engagement. 

Accordingly, the troops were transported up the river about 
nine miles. On the 12th of Sept. one hour after midnight, 
Wolfe and his troops left the ships, and in boats silently drop- 
ped down the current, intending to land a league above Cape 
Diamond, and there ascend the bank leading to the station he 
wished to gain. Owing, however, to the rapidity of the river, 
tkey fell below the intended place, and landed a mile, or a mile 
and a half, above the city. 

The operation was a critical one, as they had to navigate, in 
silence, down a rapid stream, and to find a right place for land- 
ing, which, amidst surrounding darkness, might be easily mis- 
taken. Besides this, the shore was shelving, and the bank so 
steep and loft , as scarcely to be ascended even without oppo- 
sition from an enemy. Indted the attempt was in the greatest 
danger of being defeated by an occurrence peculiarly interesting, 
as marking the very great delicacy of the transaction. 

One of the French sentinels, posted along the shore, as the 
English boats were descending, challenged them in the custo- 
mary military language of the French, " Qui vit V " who goes 
there?"; to which a captain in Frazer's regiment, who had 
served in Holland, and was famiUar with the French language 
and customs, promptly replied, " la France." The next ques- 
tion was still more embarrassing, for the sentinel demanded " a 
quel regiment .'" " to what regiment." The captain, who hap- 
pened to know the name of a regiment which was up the river, 
mth Bougainville, promptly rejoined, "rfe la Reitie" "the 
Queen's." The soldier immediately replied, "passe" for he 
concluded at onccj that this was a French convoy ofprovisionsj 



FRENCH AND INDIANA WAR. 1S7 

which as the English had learned from some deserters, was ez> 
pected to pass down the river to Quebec. The other sentinels 
were deceived in a similar manner ; but one, less credulous than 
the rest, running down to the water's edge, called out " Pour 
quois est c« que vous ne parlez plus haut ?" " Why dont you 
speak louder ?" The same captain, with perfect self-command, 
replied, " Tais toi, nous serons- entendus!"- "Hush, we shall 
be overheard and discovered !" The sentry, satisfied with this 
caution, retired, and the boats passed in safety.* 

About an hour before day, the army began to ascend the pre- 
cipice, the distance of one hundred and fifty or two hundred 
feet, almost perpendicular ascent, above which spread the plains 
of Abraham. By day-light, Sept. 13th, this almost incredible 
enterprise had been effected — the desired station was attained, 
the army was formed, and ready to meet the enemy. 

To Montcalm, the intelligence that the English Avere occupy- 
ing the heights of Abraham was most surprising. The impossi- 
bility of ascending the precipice he considered certain, and there- 
fore had taken no measures to fortify its line. But no sooner 
was he informed of the position of the English army, than per- 
ceiving a battle no longer to be avoided, he prepared to fight. 
Between nine and ten o'clock, the two armies, about equal in 
numbers, met face to face. 

The battle now commenced. Inattentive to the fire of a body 
of Canadians and Indians, one thousand five hundred of whom 
Montcalm had stationed in the cornfields and bushes, Wolfe di- 
rected his troops to reserve their fire for the main body of the 
Prench, now rapidly advancing. On their approach within 
forty yards, the English opened their fire and the destruction 
became inunense. 

The French fought bravely, but their ranks became disorder- 
ed, and, notwithstanding the repeated efforts of their officers to 
form them, and to renew the attack, they were so successfully 
pushed by the British bayonet, and hewn down by the Highland 
broadsword, that their discomfiture was complete. 

During the action, Montcalm was on the French left, and 
Wolfe on the English right, and here they both fell in the crhi 
cal moment that decided the victory. Early in the battle, Wolfe 
received a ball in his wrist, but binding his handkerchief around 
it, he continued to encourage his men. — Shortly after, another 
ball penetrated his groin ; but this wound, although much more 
severe, he concealed, and continued to urge on the contest, till 



♦ Silliraan's Tour, from Smollet. 

12* 



138 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 

a third bullet pierced his breast. He was now obfiged, though 
reluctantly, to be carried to the rear of the line. 

Gen. Monckton succeeded to the command, but was immedi- 
ately wounded, and convej-ed away. In this critical state of 
the action, the command devolved on Gen. Townshend. Gen. 
Montcalm, fighting in front of his battalion, received a mortal 
wound about the same time, and Gen. Jennezergus, his second 
in command, fell near his side. 

Wolfe died in the field, before the battle was ended ; but he 
lived long enough to know that the victory was his. — While 
leaning on the shoulder of a lieutenant, who kneeled to support 
him, he was seized with the agonies of death : at this moment 
was heard the distant sound, " They fly" — " they fly." The 
iiero raised his drooping head, and eagerly asked, " Who fly ?" 
Being told that it was the French — " Then," he replied, " 1 die 
happy," and expired. 

" This deatli," says professor Silliman, " has furnished a 
grand and pathetic subject for the painter, the poet, and the his- 
torian, and undoubtedly, considered as a specimen of mere mili- 
tary glory, it is one of the most sublime that the annals of war 
alTord." 

M«ntcalm was every way worthy of being the competitor of 
Wolfe. In talents — in military skill — in personal courage, he 
was not his inferiour. Nor was his death much less sublime. 
He lived to be carried to the city, where his last moments were 
employed in writing, with his own hand, a letter lO the English 
general, recommending the French prisoners to his care andhu 
manity. When informed that his wound was mortal, he replied, 
'• I shall not then live to see the suirender of Quebec." 

The following interesting particulars, relating to the dangers 
and sufferings of two officers of the English army, during the 
l)attle, we shall be excused for inserting, notwithstanding their 
length. 

" Captain Ochterlony and Ensign Peyton, belonged to the 
regiment of Brigadier-General Monckton. They were nearly 
of an age, which did not exceed thirty ; the first was a North- 
Briton, the other a native of Ireland. Both were agreeable in 
person, and were connected together by the ties of mutual friend- 
ship and esteem. On the day that preceded the battle, captain 
Ochterlony had fought a duel with a German officer, in which, 
though he wounded and disarmed his antagonist, yet he himself re- 
ceived a dangerous hurt under the right arm, in consequence of 
which his friends insisted on his remaining in camp during the 
action of next day ; but his spirit was too great to comply with this 
remonstrance. He declared it should never be said that a scratch, 
received in a private rencounter, liad prevented him from doing 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. ISQ 

Jiis duty, when his country required his service; and he took 
the field with a fusil in his hand, though he was hardly able to 
carry his arms. In leading up his men to the enemy's entrench- 
ment, he was shot through the lungs with a musket ball, an ac- 
cident which obliged him to part with his fusil, but he still con- 
tinued advancing, until, by loss of blood, he became too weak to 
proceed furthei-. About the same time, Mr. Peyton was lamed 
by a shot, which shattered the small bone of his left leg. The 
soldiers, in their retreat, earnestly begged, with tears in their 
eyes, that captain Ochterlony would allow them to carry him 
and ttie ensign off the field. But he was so bigotted to a severe 
point of honour, that he would not quit the ground, though he 
desired they would take care of his ensign. Mr. Peyton, with 
a generous disdain, rejected their good offices, declaring that he 
would not leave his captain in such a situation ; and in a little 
time, they remained sole survivors on that part of the field. 

" Captain Ochterlony sat down by his friend, and as they ex- 
pected nothing but immediate death, they took leave of each 
other ; yet they were not altogether abandoned by the hope of 
being protected as prisoners ; for the captain seeing a French 
soldier, with two Indians, approach, started up, and accosting 
them in the French language, which he spoke perfectly well, 
expressed his expectation that they would treat him and his com- 
panion as officers, prisoners, and gentlemen. The two Indians 
seemed to be entirely under the conduct of the Frenchman, who, 
coming up to Mr. Peyton, as he sat on the ground, snatched his 
laced hat from his head, and robbed the captain of his watch 
and money. This outrage was a signal to the Indians for mur- 
der and pillage. One of them, clubbing his firelock, struck at 
him behind, with a view to knock him down, but the blow miss- 
ing his head, took place upon his shoulder. At the same instant, 
the other Indian poured his shot into the breast of this unfortun- 
ate young gentleman, who cried out, " O Peyton ! the villain 
has shot me." Not yet satiated with cruelty, the barbarian 
sprung upon him, and stabbed him in the belly with his scalping 
knife. The captain having parted with his fusil, had no wea- 
pon for his defence, as none of the officers wore swords in the 
action. The three ruffians finding him still alive, endeavoured 
to strangle him with his own sash ; and he was now upon his 
knees, struggling against them whh surprising exertion. Mr. 
Peyton, at this juncture, having a double-barrelled musket in his 
hand, and seeing the distress of his friend, fired at one of the 
Indians, who dropped dead on the spot. The other, thinking 
the ensign would now be an easy prey, advanced towards him, 
and Mr. Peyton, having taken good aim, at the distance of four 
yards, discharged his piece the second time, but it seemed to 



140 PERIOD 1V....1756....1775. 

take no effect. The savage fired in his turn, and wounded tlio 
ensign in the shoulder ; then rushing upon him, thrust his bayo ■ 
net through his body ; he repealed the blow, wliich Mr. Peyton 
attempting to parry, received another wound in his left hand ; 
nevertheless, he seized the Indian's musket with the same hand, 
pulled him forwards, and with his right, drawing a dagger which 
hung by his side, plunged it in the barbarian's side. A violent 
struggle ensued ; but at length Mr. Peyton was uppermost, and, 
with repeated strokes of his dagger, killed his antagonist out- 
light. Here he was seized with an unaccountable emotion cl 
Ci/riosity, to know whether or not his shot had taken effect on 
the body of the Indian ; he accordingly turned him up, and 
stripping off his blanket, perceived that tlie ball had penetrated 
quite through the cavity of the breast. Having thus obtained a 
dear bought victory, he started up on one leg, and saw captain 
Ochterlony standing at tbe distance of sixty yards, close by the 
enemy's breast-work, with the French soldier attending him. 
Mr. Peyton then called aloud, " Captain Ochterlony, I am glad 
to see you have at last got under protection. Eewareofthat 
vi'^in, who is more barbarous than the savages. God bless 
you, my dear Captain. I see a party of Indians coming this 
wa}', and expect to be murdered immediately." A number of 
these barbarians hud for some time been employed on the left, 
in scalping and pillaging the dying and the dead that were left 
upon the field of battle : and above thirty of them were in full 
march to destroy Mr. Peyton. This gentleman knew he had 
no mercy to expect ; for, should his life be spared for the pre- 
sent, they would have afterwards insisted upon sacrificing him to 
the manes of their brethren whom he had slain ; and in that 
case he v.'ould have been put to death by the most excruciating 
tortures. Full of this idea, he snatched up his musket, and, not» 
withstanding his broken leg, ran above forty yards without halt- 
ing ; and feeling himself now totally disabled, and incapable of 
proceeding one step further, he loaded his piece, and presented 
it to the two foremost Indians, who stood aloof waiting to be 
joined by their fellows : while the French, from their breast- 
works, kept up a continual fire of cannon and small arms upon 
this poor, solitary, maimed gentleman. In this uncomfortable 
situation he stood, when he discerned at a distance, a Highland 
officer, with a party of his men, skirting the plain towards the 
field of battle. He forthwith waved his hand in signal of dis- 
tress, and being perceived by the officer, he detached three ot 
his men to his assistance. These brave fellows hastened to him 
through the midst of a terrible fire, and one of them bore him 
off on his shoulders. The Highland officer was captain Mac- 
donaldj of Colonel Fray.ier's battalion ; who, understanding that 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 141 

a young gentleman, his kinsman, had dropped on the field of 
battle, had put himself at the head of this party, with which he 
penetrated to the middle of the field, drove a considerable num- 
ber of the French and Indians before him, and finding his rela- 
tion still unscalped, carried him off in triumph. Poor captain 
Ochterlony was conveyed to Quebec, where, in a few days he 
died of wounds. After the reduction of that place, the French 
surgeons who attended him, declared, that in all probability, he 
would have recovered of the two shots he had received in his 
breast, had he not been mortally wounded in the belly by the 
Indians scalping knife. 

"As this very remarkable scene was acted in sight of both 
armies. General Townshend, in the sequel, expostulated with 
the French officers upon the inhumanity of keepuig up such a 
severe fire against two wounded gentlemen, who were disabled, 
and destitute of all hope of escaping. They answered that the 
fire was not made by the regulars, but by the Canadians and 
savageSjWhom it was not in the power of discipline to restrain."* 

Section XXIV. The capture of Cluebec, which 
soon tbliowed, important as it was, did not imme- 
diately termmate the war. The French in Ca- 
nada had still a powerful army, and some naval 
force above the city. 

Section XXY. In the ensuing spring, 1760, 
Monsieur Levi approached Quebec from Mon- 
treal, assisted by six frigates, for the purpose of 
recovering it from the English. Gen. Murray, 
who commanded the English garrison, marched 
out to meet him, with only three thousand men, 
and, on the 28th of April, after a bloody battle, 
fought at Sillsery, three miles above the city, the 
English army was defeated, with the loss of one 
thousand men, the French having lost more than 
double that number. 

The English retreated to Quebec, to which 
tlie French now laid siege. About the middle 
of May, an English squadron arrived with rein- 



* SUIiinan's Tour, from Smollet 



142 PERIOD IV....1756....1776. 

forcements, soon after which, the French fleet 
was taken and destroyed, and the siege was 
raised. 

Ji^ection XXVI. The attention of the English 
commander in chief, Gen. Amherst was now di 
rected to the reduction of Montreal, the last for- 
tress of consequence in the possession of the 
French. To eliect this he detached Col. Havi- 
land, with a well disciplined army to proceed to 
Lake George, Crown Point, and Lake Cham- 
plain ; Gen. Murray was ordered from Q,uebec, 
with such forces as could be spared from the gar- 
rison, while General Amherst himself proceeded 
with ten thousand men, by Lake Ontario, down 
the river bt. Lawrence. 

Generals Amherst and Murray arrived at Mon- 
treal the same day fc?ept. 6th, and were joined 
by Haviiand, on the day succeeding. While pre- 
paring to lay siege to the place, the commander 
of Montreal, M. de Vaudreuik perceiving that 
resistance would be metiectual, demanded a ca- 
pitulation. On the 8ih, Montreal, Detroit, Mi- 
chilimackinac, and all the other places within the 
government of Canada were surrendered to his 
Brittanick Majesty, 

Section XX\1L Thus ended a war which, 
from the first hostilities, had continued six years, 
and during which much distress had been expe- 
rienced and many thousand valuable lives hjst. 
Great and universal was the joy that spread 
through the colonies, at the successful termina- 
tion of a contest, so long and severe, and pub- 
lick thanksgivings were generally appointed to 
ascribe due honour to Him, who had preserved 
to the colonies their existence and liberties. 

Section XXVIIL While the troops were em- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. I43 

ployed in the conquest of Canada, the Colonies 
of Virginia and South Carolina, suffered inva- 
sion and outrage from the Cherokees, a powerful 
tribe of savages on the West. But in 1 761 , they 
were signally defeated by Col. Grant, and com- 
pelled to sue for peace. 

Intelligence being communicated to Gen. Amherst of the dan- 
ger of these colonies, he despatched Gen. Montgomery with one 
thousand two hundred men, for their protection and relief. 

Being joined by the forces of the pi'ovince of Carolina on his 
arrival, he immediately proceeded into the country of the Che- 
rokees, plundering and destroying their villages and magazines 
of corn. In revenge, the savages besieged Fort Loudon, on the 
confines of Virginia, which was obliged, by reason of famine, to 
capitulate. The capitulation was, however, bi*oken, and the 
troops, while on their march to Virginia, were assaulted — num- 
bers of them killed, and the rest taken captive. 

The next year, I76l, Gen. Montgomery being obliged to re- 
turn. Col. Grant was sent to continue the war. With an army 
of near two thousand six hundred men, he began his march to- 
wards the enemies' country. On the fourth day the army fell 
in with a body of savages, and after a strongly contested battle, 
put them to flight. Following up this victory, Col. Grant pro- 
ceeded to destroy their magazines, burn their corn fields, and 
consume their settJf'ments, until, having effectually routed them, 
he returned with »ms troops. Soon after this, the Cherokee 
chiefs came in, and a peace was concluded. 

Section XXIX. The conquest of Canada 
having been achieved in 1763, a definitive treaty, 
the preliminaries of which had been settled the 
year before, was signed at Paris, and soon after 
ratified by the kings of England and France ; 
by which all Nova Scotia, Canada, the Isle of 
Cape Breton, and ail other islands in the gult 
and river St. Lawrence, were ceded to the Bri- 
tish crown. 



144 PERIOD IV....1756....1775. 



Kotes. 



Section XXX. J^aumVU Ot tf^t ^OlOsr 
Ut)9itfii» The change in respect to manners in the 
colonies, during this period, consisted chiefly in a 
gradual wearing away of national distinctions 
and peculiarities, and a tendency to a still great- 
er unity and assimilation of character. The ra- 
pid increase of wealth, and the frequency of in- 
tercourse with Europe, began to introduce among 
the colonies the tastes, and fashions, and luxu- 
ries of European countries. But the introduc- 
tion of them produced little enervation of cha- 
racter among the people of America. Such an 
effect was counteracted by the bloody, but suc- 
cessful war with the French and Indians, and 
the boundless prosperity which seemed to open 
to the country, and call forth its energies. In- 
stead, therefore, of a growing weakness in the 
colonies, we perceive a more vigorous spirit of 
commercial enterprise, pervading the country ; 
a consciousness of political importance becoming 
confirmed ; and a deep and ardent love of civil 
liberty breathing over the land. 

Section XXXI. WitiiQlOn* The only reli- 
gious sect introduced into America, during this 
period, was that of the Shakers, or Shaking 
Quakers, who arrived from England in 1774, 
and settled at Niskayuna, near Albany. 

Although the spirit of religious intolerance had disappeared 
from the colonies, and the puritanical severity of the north had 
become much softened, yet until the commencement of the 
French and Indian war, the religious character of the colonies 
had remained essentially the same. But during this war, infi- 
delity was extensively introduced into the army, by means of 
the foreign English officers and soldiers who were sent into the 
country. From the army, it spread itself into society, and oro- 




Emigration of Roger Williams, p. 37. 




Burning of the Pequot Village, p. 40. 



FBENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 145 

iluced a considerable relaxation of morals, and a looser adher- 
ence to principles. 

Section XXXU. ^X^Xit atltl (STOItl:: 
ltl(tt^« During this p^ od, trade and com- 
merce made great advances ; the annual amount 
of imports from Great Britain, was about two 
and a half millions of pounds sterling, from 1756 
to 1771 : from 1771 to 1773, it was three millions 
and a half annually, on an average. — The annual 
amount of exports of the colonies to Great Bri- 
tain and elsewhere, was about four million pounds 
sterling, at the close of this period. The articles 
of export, and the nature of the trade of the co- 
lonies, were essentially the same as stated in the 
notes to period third. 

In 1769, the number of ships employed by Great Britain and 
the colonies, in the trade with the colonies, was one thousand se- 
venty-eight, manned by twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and 
ten seamen. 

The whale and other fisheries in the colonies had become of 
great importance. In 1775, there were employed in the fishery 
generally, and in carrying the fish to market from New-England, 
one thousand four hundred and fifty vessels of all descriptions, 
of one hundred thousand tons burthen, and eleven thousand fish- 
ermen and seamen. 

Section XXXIII. iCgtlCttltUte^ During 
this period, a gradual progress was made in ag- 
riculture, but it does not need any specifick no- 
tice. 

Section XXXIV. ^rtfij aitJr JUatittfairs 

tUtr(!$« Great Britain still continued to oppose 
the progress of arts and manufactures in the co- 
lonies, and, therefore, there was but a moderate 
advance of these interests, during this period. 

S^rfiow XXXV. J|opttlat?'on* At the close 
of this period, the white and black population of 
the colonies did not vary greatly from three mil- 
lions. 

Section XXXVI. ^tlUCatiOn« In the year 

13 



146 ?EBIOD IV....l75e....lfr5. 

1769, the college at Hanover, New-Hampshire, 
was founded, and called Dartmouth College^ in 
honour of the earl of Dartmouth, who was one of 
its principal benefactors. 

In 1 770, the University in Rhode-Island called 
Brown University, was established at Provi 
dence. It was incorporated in 1 764, and first lo* 
cated at Warren. At this place the first com- 
mencement was held, 1 769. 

XXXVII. The preceding short period of our history presents 
several interesting subjects of reflection. The American colo- 
nies became the theatre of a bloody conflict, attended by all the 
appalling features of savage war. Although feebly supported 
by England, and embarrassed by the want of political union, 
they surmounted every obstacle, and compelled the French, their 
enemies, to depart from their shores for ever. 

But no sooner was this conflict ended, than they began to 
feel, with added weight, the hand of British oppression. — Not 
humbled, however, by injustice, nor crushed by severities, they 
vigorously put forth their strength in commerce, trade, and ag- 
riculture. They spread innumerable sails upon the ocean ; 
they converted forests into meadows and wheat fields ; estab- 
lished seminaries of learning ; founded cities ; and built churches 
to God. 

Nay, more — we see that those very steps, which were taken 
by the mother country to cripple the American colonies, were 
so ordered as to add to their strength. By leaving them to bear 
the war of 1756 almost alone, she showed them that they could 
not expect defence from her ; she taught them the necessity of 
relying upon their own energies ; gave them an opportunity to 
learn the art of war, and to ascertain their own strength. 

The long line of British acts, designed to crush the colcnies, 
and to keep them in humble subjection, passed, as they were, 
in wilful ignorance of the feelings and power of America, 
awakened the spirit of the revolution, and laid the foundation 
of a great nation. 

What a lesson may tyranny gather from this ! And how 
thsmkful should we be, that a just Providence is above, who re- 
gards the affairs oi men — who turns aside the trampling heel of 
oppression, and causes the blood wrung out by tyranny to cry 
from the ground, and to call fonh the spirit of liberty .' 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR THE WAR OF THE REVOLU- 
TION. 

Extending from the coirmten cement of hostilities 
by Great Britain against the American cO' 
lomes^ in the battle of Lexington, 1775, to the 
disbanding of the American Army at West 
Point, 1783. 

Section I. On the 19th of April, 1775, waa 
shed at Lexington, Massachusetts, the first blood 
in the war of the revolution — a war, which ter- 
minated in the separation of the American colo- 
nies from Great Britain, and in their change from 
this humble character and condition, to that of 
free and independent State*. 

Section 11. The causes, which led the colonies 
to take up arms against the mother country, de- 
serve a distinct recital in this portion of our his- 
tory, as they will clearly show the justice, wis- 
dom, and necessity of those acts of resistance, to 
which, at that trying period, resort was had. 

" The independence of America," it has been 
observed, " was found by those who sought it 
not." When the Fathers of this country left 
Great Britain, they had no intention of establish- 
ing a government independent of that of Eng- 
land. On the contrary, they came out as colo- 
nists, and expected still to acknowledge allegi- 
ance to the mother country. For many years, 



148 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

when they spoke, or wrote, or thought of Eng- 
land, it was under the fihai and affectionate idea 
of *' home.^^ " And even at the commencement 
of the controvei>y with Great Britam," if we 
credit those who lived at that time, •■' there ex- 
isted no desire^ nor intention of becoming inde- 
pendent." 

Testimony with respect to the fiHal disposition of the colo- 
nies towards the mother country abounds. " I profess,'"' said 
Pownal, who had been governour and commander in chief of 
Massachusetts Bay — governour of South Carolina, &c. &c. 

" I profess," said he, in 1765, " an affection foi the cnlonies, 
because, haying iiv-z-d among their people, in a private as well as 
puhlick character, 1 know them — 1 know that in theii privatb 
social relations, there is not a more friendly, and in their politic 
cal one, a more zealously loyal people m all his majesty's do- 
minions. They would sacrifice their dearest interest for the ho- 
nour of their mother country. 1 have a right to say this, be- 
cause experience has given me a practical knowledge and this 
impression <jf them. — They have nt» other idea of this country 
than as their home ; they have no other word by which to ex- 
prt^ss it, and till of late, it has been constantly exprcav->'"' hv the 
name of home." 

To the same tffect is the testimony of Dr. tVanklin. " Scot- 
land," said he, in 1768, "has had its rebellions; Ireland has 
haii its n^bellions • Fnjjland its plots against the reigning family ; 
but America is tree iroiii this r'^proach ;" — " No people were 
ever known n->ore truly loyal : tne prolestr'"^ vir'-ossion in the 
house of Hanover wh> ' ' "-'''" 

For these ieelliA^-- J -H' ,,„.v/ii lur tiic moiner 
counti*v, the iulor^^oo df^serve the Vic"^'xt enco- 
mmm. Cr»iise«i Ayietorl wh)."'' might nave msti- 
fied a less degr^eof att' ..hment and vv- -r calcu- 
lated to produce it. These were the oppression 
and losses which they endured ; the shackles im- 
posed upon them ; the restraints upon their com- 
merce ; the parsimony with which aid was admi- 
nistered by the mother country ; the maleadmi- 
nistration — the peculation and arbitrary conduct 
of the royal governours — these things were suffi 
cient, and more than sufficient, to stifle every 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 149 

feeling of affection, and shake the last remains 
of their allegiance. 

Yet, through all this oppressive subordination 
— through the calamities of war — through the 
attempt to- wrest from them their charters, and 
their dearest rights — they could say, and did say, 
" England, with all thy faults, 1 love thee still." 

Nor is it probable that these friendly disposi- 
tions of the colonies would at this time have been 
withdrawn, had not Great Britain interrupted 
them by a grievous change of policy towards the 
inhabitants touching the subject of revenue and 
taxation. 

Before the peace of '63, this subject had been 
wisely let alone. The colonies had been per- 
mitted to tax themselves, without the interfer- 
ence of the parliament. Till this period, it had 
sufficed for the mother country so to control 
their commerce, as to monopolize its benefits to 
herself But from and after this period, the 
ancient system was set aside, and a different 
and oppressive policy adopted. The first act, 
die avowed purpose of which was a revenue 
from the colonies, passed the parliament, Sept. 
29th, 1764, the preamble to which began thus : 
— " Whereas, it is just and necessary that a 
revenue be raised in America, for defraying the 
expenses of defending, protecting, and securing 
the same, we the commons, &c." The act then 
proceeds to lay a duty on " clayed sugar, indigo, 
coffee, (fcc. &c. being the produce of a colony 
not under the dominion of his majesty." 

This act the colonies could not approve 
They could not approve of it, because it recog- 
nized the existence of a right to tax them — a 
risht not founded in justice, and which since 
^ 13* 



150 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

their existence, nearly one hundred and fifty 
years, until now, had seldom been named. But 
the colonies could submit to it, although unplea- 
sant and unjust, nor would this act alone have 
led to permanent disalfectiun, had it not been 
followed by other acts, still more unjust and 
oppressive. 

On the subject of the right of the British parliament to tax 
the colonies, it was asserted in the mother country " to be es- 
sential to the unity, and of course to the prosperity, of the em- 
pire, thai the British parliament should have a ^ ight of taxation 
oyei every part of the royal dominions." In the colonies it 
was contended, " that taxation and representation were in- 
separable, and that they could not be saie, if their property 
might be taken from them, without their consent."' This claim 
of the rignt of taxation on the one side, and the denial of it on 
the other, was the very hinge on which the revolution turned. 

In accordance with the policy to be observed 
towards America, the next year, 1765, the fa- 
mous staTiip act passed both houses of parlia- 
ment. This ordained that instruments of writ- 
ing, such as deeds, bonds, notes, &c. among the 
colonies, should be null and void, unless exe- 
cuted on stamped paper, for which a duty should 
be paid to the crown. 

When this bill was brought in, the ministers, and particularly 
Charles Townshend, exclaimed : 

'' These Americans, our own children, planted by our care, 
nourished by our indulgence, protected by our arms, until they 
are grown to a good degree of strength and opulence ; will they 
now turn their backs upon us, and grudge to contribute their 
mite to relieve us from the heavy load which overwhelms us ?'* 

Col. Barre caught the words, and, with a vehemence becom- 
ing a soldier, rose and said : 

" Planted by yoxir care ! No ! your oppression plantet 
them in America ; they tied from your tyranny into a then un- 
cultivated land, where they were exposed to almost all the 
hardships to which human nature is liable, and among others, 
to the savage cruelty of the enemy of the country, a people, the 
most subtle, and, I take upon me to say, the most truly terribla 
of any people that ever inhabited any part of God's earth ; and 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 151 

yet actuated by principles of true English liberty, they met all 
these hardships with pleasure, compared with those they suffer- 
ed in their own country, from the hands of those that should 
ha\« been their friends. 

" They nourished by your indulgence! They grew by 
your neglect; as soon as you began to care about them, that 
care was exercised in sending persons t j rule over them, in one 
dejjartment and another, who were, perhaps, the deputies of 
the deputies of some members of this house, sent to spy out 
their liberty, to misrepresent their actions, and to prey upon 
them : men, whose behaviour, on many occasions, has caused 
the blood of thf^se sons of liberty to recoil within them : men^ 
promoted to the highest seats of justice, some of whom, to my 
knowledge, were glad, by going to foreign countries, to escape 
the vengeance of the laws in their own. 

" They protected by your arms / They have nobly taken 
up arms in your defence, have exerted their valour amidst their 
constant and laborious industry, for the defence of a country 
whose frontiers, while drenched in blood, its interior parts have 
yielded for your enlargement the little savings of their frugality 
and the fruits of their toils. And believe me, remember, I this 
day told you so, that the same spirit which actuated that people 
at first, will continue with them still." 

The night after this act passed. Doctor Franklin, who was 
then in London, wrote to Charles Thompson, afterwards secre* 
tary of the Continental Congress, " The sun of liberty is set ^ 
the Aviericans must light the lamps of industry and economy?^ 
To which Mr. Thompson answered ; " Be assured we shall 
light torches of quite another sorV^ — thus predicting the con- 
vulsions which were about to follow. 

Section III. On the arrival of the news of the 
stamp act in America, a general indignation 
spread through the country, and resolutions were 
passed against the act, by most of the colonial 
assemblies. 

In these resolutions, Virginia led the way. On the meeting 
of the house of burgesses, Patrick Henry presented, among 
others, the following resolutions, which were substantially 
adopted. 

Resolved, That his majesty's liege people of this his ancient 
colony, have enjoyed the rights of being thus governed by their 
own assembly, in the article of taxes, and internal police, and 
that the same have never been forfeited, or yielded up, but have 
been constantly recognized by the king and people of Britain . 



152 PERIOD V....1775....1785....REVOLUTION. 

Resolved, therefore, That the general assembly of this coIck 
ny, together with his majesty, or his substitutes, have, in their 
representative capacity, the only exclusive right and power to 
lay taxes and imposts upon the inhabitants of this colony ; and 
that every attempt to vest such power in any other person, or 
persons, whatsoever, than the general assembly albresaid, is il- 
legal, unconslilulional, and unjust, and hath a manifest tendency 
to destroy British as well as American liberty. 

Resolved, That his majesty's liege people, the inhabitants of 
this colony, are not bound to yield obedience to any law or 
ordinance whatever, designed to impose any taxation whatever 
upon them, other than the laws or ordinances of the general as- 
sembly aforesaid. 

Resolved^ Tliat any persott who shall, by speaking or writing, 
assert or maintain that any person, or persons, other than the 
genei al assembly of this colony, have any right or power to im- 
pose or lay any tax on the people here, shall be deemed an 
enemy to this, his majesty's colony. 

Copies of these resolutions were immediately forwarded to the 
otlier provinces, and served to raise still higher the genera, 
feeling of opposition to the conduct of the mother country. 

Section IV. In June, Massachusetts recom- 
mended a colonial congress to consult for the 
general safety. The recommendation was well 
received by most of the colonies, and in Octo- 
ber, twenty-eight members assembled in New- 
York, where they remonstrated against the 
stamp act, and petitioned its repeal. At the 
same time, also, they drew up a bill of rights, 
in which taxation and representation were de- 
clared to be inseparable. 

Section V. The stamp act came into opera- 
tion on the first of November. In Boston, and 
in Portsmouth, the day was ushered in by a fu- 
neral tolling of the bells. In the latter place, 
in the course of the day, a coffin, neatly orna- 
mented, and inscribed with the word Liberty, in 
large letters, was carried to the grave. Minute 
guns were fired during the movement of the 
procession to the place of interment ; where an 



PERIOD V^.1775....1783....REVOLUnON. 153 

oration was offered in favour of the deceased. 
Similar expressions of wounded and indignant 
feeling occurred in various parts of the country. 

In some places, the stamp officers were oblig- 
ed to resign, or to secrete themselves, to escape 
the vengeance of the people. Stamps were not 
permitted to be landed, and business, in many 
places, was conducted without them. At the 
same time, associations were formed in all parts 
of the the country, by merchants, not to import 
goods until this odious act was repealed. Most 
cheerfully did the people, women as well as 
men, enter upon this self-denial. Luxuries, 
decorations, elegancies, were universally laid 
aside. 

The opposition to the stamp act in America 
was so spirited, so deep laid, so universal, that 
parliament had only the alternative, to compel 
her t(» submit, or to repeal it. After a long and 
angry debate on the question, the repeal was 
carried : — but accompanying the repealing act, 
was one called the declaratory act, more hostile 
to American rights than any which had preced- 
ed. The language of the net was, " that par- 
liament have, and of right ou^^ht to have, jyow^cr 
to hind the colonies m all canes whatsoever. ''"' 

On the mt'eiui^ ..; Parliament, Jan. 7th, 1765, his majesty 
in his spt^ch spoke of the above opposition of th** colonies to 
ihe stamp act, in pointed terms of reprehension. On the mo-" 
tion for an address to the king, Mr. Pitt, the independent and 
invariable friend of liberty and equal riphts, was the first to of- 
fer his sentiments on the state of aflfairs. " It is a long time, 
Mr. Speaker," said he, " since I have attended in Parliament : 
when the resolution was taken in this house to tax America, I 
was ill in bed. If 1 could have endured to have been carried in 
my bed, so great was the agitation of my mind for the conse- 
quences, I would have solicited some kind hand to have laid 
me down on this floor to have borne my testimony against it. 

\ 



i 



ir i^ 



|54 PERi6DV....1775....1783,...REVOLUTION. 

It is my opinion that this kingdom lias no right to lay a tax 
upon the colonies." 

Upon concluding his speech, a silence of some minutes suc- 
ceeded. No one appeared inclined to take the part of the late 
minister, or to rouse the lion, which lay basking in the eye ol 
the gr*:at Commoner who had just sat down. At length, Mr 
Grenville rose to reply. After declaring the tumult in America 
to border upon rebellion^ and insisting upon the constitutional 
right of Parliament to tax the colonies, he concluded as follows : 
" Ungrateful peojile of America/ The nation has run itself 
into an immense debt to give them protection ; bounties have 
been extended to them ; in their favour the act of navigation, 
that palladium of the British commerce, has been relaxed : and 
now thai they are called upon to c<)ntribute a small share to- 
wards the publicK expence, they renounce your authority, insult 
your officers, and break out, I might almost say, into open re- 
bellion." 

Mr. Grenville had scarcely taken his seat, when Mr. Pitt, 
rose to reply — but the rules of tht' house forbidding him to 
speak twice on the same motion, he was called to order, and in 
obedience to the c.dl, was resuming his seat, when the loud nnd 
repeated cry of " Go on," induced him once more to take the 
floor. In the course of his speech he said, " We are told 
Araerica is obstinate — America is in open rebellion. Sir, i re- 
Joire that America has resisted; three millions of people so 
dead to all the feelings of liberty, as voluntarily to submit to be 
slaves, v/ould have been fit instruments to make slaves of all 
the rest. I am no courtier of America. I maintain that Pa: lia- 
ment has a right to bind, to restrain America. Our legislative 
power over the Colonies is sovereign and supreme. " When," 
asks the honourable gentleman '' were the colonies emancipate 
ed .'" At what time, say 1 in answer, were they made slares f 
I speak from accurate knowledge when I say that the profits to 
Grt'at Britain from the trade of the colonies, through ah its 
branches, is two mil'ions per annum. This is the Jimd which 
carried you triumphantly through the war; this is th< price 
America pays you for her protection ; and shall a miserable 
financier come with a boast that he can fetch a pepper-corn 
into the exchequer, at the loss of millions to the nation ? 

I know the valour of youi troops — I know the skill of your 
officers — I know the force of this country ; but in such a cause 
your success would be hazardous. America, if she fell, would 
fall like the strong man : she would embrace the pillars of the 
State, and pull down the constitution with her. Is this youi 
boasted peace? not to sheathe the sword in the scabbard, but 



PERIOD y....l77S....l7S3 ..REVOLUTION. 155 

CO sheathe it in the bowels of your countrymen ? The Aineri* 
cans have been wronged — they have been driven to madness 
by injustice ! Will you punish them for the madness you have 
occasioned ? No : let this country be the first to resume its pru- 
dence and temper ; I will pledge myself for the colonies, that 
on their part, animosity and resentment will cease. Upon the 
whole I will beg leave to tell the house in (ew words what is 
really my opinion. It is, that the stamp aci be reptaled abso- 
lutely, totally and imptediateli/." 

On the 22d of February, General Conway introduced a mo^ 
tion to repeal this act. The debate lasted until three o'clock 
in the 'morning, and never was there a debate which excited 
more warmth of interest, or more vehemence of opposition. 
The lobbies of the house were crowded with the nmnufacturers 
and traders of the kingdom, whose anxious countenances plainly 
showed that their fates hung upon the issue. A division at 
length being called for, two hundred and seventy-five rose in 
support of the motion, and one hundred and sixty-seven against 
it. 

On learning this vote, the transports of the people were un- 
governable. Impressed with the conviction that they owed 
their deliverance to Mr. Pitt, their gratitude knew no bounds : 
when he appeared at the door, in the language of Burke, " they 
jumped upon him, like children on a long absent father. They 
clung to him as captives about their redeemer. All England 
joined in his applause." In the house of Peers, the opposition 
to the motion was still more obstinate. Some of the Dukes, 
and the whole Bench of Bishops were for forcing the Ameri- 
cans to submit, with Jirp and sword. Opposition however was 
at length wearied out, and the motion to repeal was carried by 
a majority of thirty-four, a compromise having been made by 
introducing the above declaratory act. 

The satisfaction of the colonies on the repeal 
of the stamp act was sincere and universal. Ele- 
vated with the idea of having removed an odious 
and oppressive burden, and believing, notwith- 
standing the declaratory act of parliament, that 
the right of taxing the colonies was at length sur- 
rendered, better feelings were indulged ; com 
mercial intercourse was revived, and larger im 
porlations of goods were made than ever. 

Section VI. The colonies, however, mistook 
the spirit and determination of the ministry 



156 PERIOD V....1775....1783....EEVOLUTION. 

Fof, in 1767, a bill passed the parliament, im- 
posing a duty to be collected in the colonies on 
glass, paper, painter's colours, and tea. 

This act, with several others, not less arbitra- 
ry and unjust, again spread alarm through the 
colonies, and revived the fire of opposition which 
had been smothered by the repeal of the stamp 
act. Again were associations formed to prevent 
the importation of British goods ; again were 
meetings called to resolve, petition, and remon- 
strate. 

Section VII. In Feb. 1 769, both houses of par 
liament went a step beyond all that had preced- 
ed, in an address to the king, requesting him to 
give orders to the governour of Massachusetts — 
the spirited conduct of which province was par- 
ticularly obnoxious to the ministry — to take no- 
tice of such as might be guilty of treason, that 
they might be sent to England and tried there. 

A measure more odious to the people of Ame- 
rica, or niore hostile to the British constitution, 
cou d not be named, than for a man to be torn 
from his country, to be tried by a jury of stran- 
gers. 

The house of burgesses of Virginia met soon after the official 
accounts of this address were received, and, in a few days, pass- 
ed several spirited resolutions, expressing " their exclusive right 
to tax their constituents, and denying the right of his majesty to 
remove an offender out of the country for trial." The next day, 
the royal governour of that colony sent for the house of burgess- 
es and addressed them laconically as follows : " Mr. Speaker, 
and gentlemen of the house of burgesses, I have heard of your 
resolves, and augur ill of their effects. You have made it my 
duty to dissolve you, and you are accordingly dissolved !" The 
assembly of North Carolina passed similar resolutions and were 
dissolved by their governour, in a similar manner. 

Section VIIl. While affairs were thus situated, 
an event occurred which produced great excite- 
ment in America, particularly in Massachusetts 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 15~ 

This was an affray on the evening of the fifth of 
March 1770, between some of the citizens of 
Boston, and a number of his majesty's soldiers, 
who had been sent from Halifax, and were now 
stationed at the custom house. Several of the 
inhabitants were killed, and others severely 

wounded. 

The quarrel commenced on the 2d of March, at Gray's rope 
walk, between a soldier, and a man employed at the rope walk. 
The provocation was given by the citizen, and a scuffle ensued, 
in which the soldier was beaten. On the 5th of the month, the 
soldiers while under arms were pressed upon and insulted, and 
dared to fire. One of them, who had received a blow, fired at 
the aggressoi, and a single discharge from six others succeeded. 
Three of the citizens were killed, and five dangerously wounded. 
The town was instantly thrown into the greatest commotion, tlu; 
bells were rung, and the general cry was " to arms." In a short 
time several thousands of the citizens had assembled, and a 
dreadful scene of blood must have ensued, but for the promise 
of Governour Hulchmson, that the affair should be settled to 
their satisfaction in the morning. Captain Preston, who com- 
manded the soldiers, was committed with them to prison. Up- 
on their trial the captain and six soldiers were acquitted ; two 
were convicted of manslaughter. For several subsequent years 
the evening of the day on which this outrage was committed was 
commemorated by the citizens of Boston, and the event gave oc- 
casion to addresses the most warm and patriotick, which served 
to waken up, and increase the spirit of the revolution. 

Section IX. 1773. The recommendations of 
meetings and associations to suspend the impor- 
tation of tea, had been so strictly complied with, 
that but little had been brought into the country. 
The consequence was, that vast quantities, se- 
venteen millions of pounds, had accumulated 
upon the hands of the East India Company.— , 
For their relief, the parliament now authorized 
them to export this tea into any part of the world, 
free of duty. By this regulation, tea would come 
cheaper to the colonies than before it had been 
made a source of revenue — parliament havings 

14 



158 PERIOD V....1775....17S3....IIEVOLUTION. 

in 1 767, reduced the duty on it to three pence a 
pound. 

Confident of now finding a market for their 
tea in America, the East India Company freight- 
ed several ships with that article for the different 
colonies, and appointed agents to dispose of it. 
On the arrival of this tea, however, the determi- 
nation of the colonists was formed — they would 
not pay even three pence by way of duty. The 
consequence was, that cargoes of tea, sent to 
New-York and Philadelphia, were returned 
without being entered at the custom house ; and 
those sent to Charleston, S. C. were stored, but 
not offered for sale. 

In Massachusetts, a different fate awaited it. 
Upon its arrival, the inhabitants endeavoured to 
procure its return, but this being impracticable, 
the tea having been consigned to the relations 
and friends of the royal governour, Hutchinson, 
they resolved to destroy it. Accordingly, a num- 
ber of persons, dressed like Indians, repaired to 
the ships, and discharged three hundred and 
forty-two chests of tea into the water, without, 
however, doing any other damage. 

Section X. Intelligence of these proceedings 
was, on the 7th of March, 1774, communicated 
in a message from the throne to both houses of 
Parliament. The excitement was peculiarly 
strong. In the spirit of revenge against Massa- 
chusetts, and particularly against Boston, which 
was considered as the chief seat of rebellion, a 
bill was broughtforward, calledthe ^^ Boston port 
bill^^^ by which the port of Boston was precluded 
from the privilege of landing and discharging, or 
of loading and shipping goods, wares, and mer- 
diundise. 



PERIOD V....1775....17S3....REVOLUTION. 159 

A second bill, which passed at this time, es- 
sentially altered the charter of the province^ 
making the appointment of the council, justices, 
judges, (fee. dependent upon the crown, or its 
agent. A third soon followed, authorizing and 
directing the governour to send any person in- 
dicted for murder, or any other capital offence, 
to another colony, or to Great Britain for trial. 

Section XL On the arrival of these acts, the 
town of Boston passed the following vote : " That 
it is the opinion of this town, that, if the other 
colonies come into a joint resolution to stop all 
importation from Great Britain and the West 
Indies, till the act for blocking up this harbour 
be repealed, the same will prove the salvation of 
N. America and her liberties." Copies of this 
vote were transmitted to each of the colonies. 

As an expression of their sympathy with the 
people of Boston in their distress, the house of 
burgesses in Virginia ordered that the day, on 
which the Boston port bill was to take effect, 
should be observed as a day of fasting and 
prayer 

Obfs. The words Whigs and Tories were, about this time, in- 
troduced as the distinguishing names of parties. By the former, 
was meant tliose who favoured the cause of Boston, and were 
zealous in supporting the colonies against the parliament : by 
the latter, was meant ihe favourers of Great Britain. 

Section XII. During these transactions in 
Massachusetts, measures had been taken to con- 
vene a Continental Congress. On the 4th of 
Sept. 1774, deputies from eleven colonies met 
at Philadelphia, and elected Peyton Randolph, 
the then late speaker of the Virginia Assembly, 
president, arid Charles Thompson, secretary. 
After considerable debate, it was agreed that 
each colony should have one equal vote. 



l40 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

Having settled the manner of voting, the con 
gress proceeded to the discharge of the high trust 
committed to them. They agreed upon a de- 
claration of their rights, recommended the non- 
importation of British goods into the country, and 
the npn-exportation of American produce to 
Great Britain, so long as their grievances were 
unredressed — voted an address to his Majesty — 
and likewise one to the people of Great Britain, 
and another to the French inhabitants of Ca- 
nada. 

This congress, having finished their business 
in less than eight weeks, dissolved themselves, 
after recommending another congress to be . 
convened on the 10th of May ensuing, unless 
the redress of their grievances should be pre- 
viously obtained. 

Although the power of this congress was only 
advisory, their resolutions were approved, not 
only by the people, but also by the authorities, 
whether established, or provincial, and exerted 
a commanding influence in consummating that 
union among the colonies, which had been in- 
creasing with their grievances. 

The name by which the above congress is generally known 
is " the Continental Congress.^" It consisted of fifty-five mem- 
bers, one half of whom were lawyers. After the arrival of 
the delegates from North Carolina, twelve colonies were repre- 
sented. 

Section XIII. An assembly was ordered by 
Gov. Gage, of Massachusetts, to convene Oct. 
5th ; but before that period arrived, judging 
their meeting inexpedient, he counteracted the 
writs of convocation, by a proclamation. The 
assembly however, to the number of ninety, 
met at Salem, where the governour not attend- 
ing, they adjourned to Concord. Here they 



PERIOD V....I775....1783....REVOLUTION. i(3i 

chose John Hancock president, and, after ad- 
journing to Cambridge, drew up a plan for the 
immediate defence of the province, by enhsting 
men, appointing general officers-, &c. 

Jn November, this provincial congress met again, and re- 
so ved to get in readiness tvv^elve tiiousand men to act in any 
emergency ; and that one fourth part of the militia should be 
enlisted as minute-men. At the same time, a request was for 
warded to Connecticut,, New-Hampshire, an«i Rhode-Island, 
jointly to increase this army to twenty thousand meii. 

Section XIV. Early the next year, Jan. 7th, 
1775, Lord Chatham, Mr. Pitt, after a long re- 
tirement, resumed his seat in the hous« of 
Lords, and introduced a conciliatory bill, the 
object of which was, to settle the troubles in 
America. But the efforts of this venerab'e and 
peace-making man wholly failed, the bill being 
rejected by a majority of sixty-four to thirty- 
two, without even the compliment of lyirg on 
the table. 

The rejection of this bill was followed the next day by the 
introduction of a bill, which finally passed, to restrain th** trade 
of the New-England provinces, and to forbid their fisb'ng on 
the banks of Newfoundland. Soon after, restrictions we>*e im- 
posed upon the middle and southern colonies, with the «*xcep- 
tion of New- York, Delaware, and North Carolina. This bill, 
designed to promote disunion among the colonies, happily failed 
of its object. 

Thus we have given a succinct account of the 
system of measures adopted by the ministry of 
England toward the American colonies after 
the peace of '63 — measures most unfeeling nnd. 
unjust ; but which no petitions, however resp<^ct- 
ful, and no remonstrances, however loud, 
could change. Satisfied of this, justice permit- 
ted the people, and self-respect and self-pre- 
servation loudly summoned them, to resist by 
force. 

Section XV. The crisis, therefore, had now 



1,62 PERIOD V....I775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

arrived, the signal of war was given, and the 
blood shed at Lexington opened the scene. 

Gen. Gage, the king's governour of Massa- 
chusetts, learning that a large quantity of mili- 
tary stores had been deposited by the provin- 
cials, at Concord, detached Lieut. Col. Smith, 
and Major Pitcairn, with eight hundred grena- 
diers, to destroy them. On their arrival at 
Lexington, on the morning of the 19th of April, 
1775, seventy of the militia, who had hastily 
assembled upon an alarm, were under arms, on 
the parade. Eight of these were without pro- 
vocation killed, and several wounded. 

The greatest precaution was taken by Governour Gage, to 
prevent the inteUigence of this expedition from reaching the 
country. Officers were dispersed along the road to intercept 
expresses, who might be sent from Boston. But the precaution 
proved ineffectual. The alarm was given, and was rapidly 
spread by means of church bells, guns, and volleys. 

The slaughter of the militia at Lexington was extremeJy wan- 
ton. Major Pitcairn, on seeing them on the parade, rode up to 
them, and, with a loud voice, cried out, " disperse, disperse you 
rebels ; tlirow down your arms and disperse." The sturdy 
yeomanry not immediately obeying his orders, he approached 
nearer, discharged his pistol, and ordered his soldiers to fire. 

From Lexington, the detachment proceeded to Concord, and 
destroyed the stores. After killing several of the militia, who 
came out to oppose them, they retreated to Lexington with some 
loss, the Americans firing upon them from behind walls, hedges, 
and buildings. 

Fortunately for the British, here Lord Percy met them, with 
a reinforcement of nine hundred men, some marines, and two 
field-pieces. Still annoyed by the provincials, they continued 
their retreat to Bunker's Hill, in Charlestown, and the day fol- 
lowing crossed over to Boston. The British lost, in killed and 
wounded, during their absence, two hundred and seventy-three. 
The loss of the Americams amounted to eighty-eight killed, 
wounded, and missing. 

Section XVL Such was the affair at Lexing- 
ton, the first action that opened the war of the 
revolution. The issue of it filled the English 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. iGS 

officers with indignation : they could not endure 
that an undiscipUned multitude, that " ajlock 
of Yankees^'''' ae they contemptuously named 
the Americans, shoukl have forced them to turn 
their backs. On tiie contrary, the result of the 
day immeasurably increased the courage of the 
Americans. The tidings spread ; the voice of 
war rung through the land, and preparations 
were every where commenced to carry it for- 
ward. 

The provincial Congress of Massachusetts, 
being in session at this time, despatched a mi- 
nute account of the affair at Lexington, to Great 
Britain, with depositions to prove that the Bri- 
tish troops were the aggressors. In conclusion, 
they used this emphatic language : " Appealing 
to Heaven for the justice of our cause, we deter- 
mine to die, or he free.'''' 

The congress, at the same time, resolved 
that a levy should be made in the province of 
thirteen thousand six hundred men. This force 
being raised was soon after joined by troops 
from New-Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode- 
Island, and an army of thirty thousand men 
assembled in the environs of Boston. 

Section XVII. As the war had now begun, 
and was likely to proceed, it was deemed im- 
portant to secure the fortresses of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point. Accordingly, a number of 
volunteers from Connecticut and Vermont, un- 
der command of Col. Ethan Allen, and Col. 
Benedict Arnold, marched against Ticonderoga, 
and, on the 10th of May, took it by surprise, the 
garrison being asleep. The fortress of Crown 
Point surrendered shortly after. 

On the arrival of Allen at Ticonderoga, he demanded the 
fort. " By what authority ?" asked the commander. " I de- 



1(34 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

mand it," said Allen, " in the name of the Great Jehovah, and 
of the Continental Congress." The sumnions was instantly 
obeyed, and the fort was, with its valuable stores, surrendered. 

Section XVIII. The taking of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point was soon followed by the 
memorable Battle of Bunkerh Hill., as it is 
usually called, or of Breed's Hill, a high emi- 
nence in Charlestown, within cannon-shot of 
Boston, where the battle was actually fought, 
June 17th. 

The evening preceding, a detachment of one thousand Ame- 
ricans were ordered to make an intrenchment on Bunker's Hill ; 
but, by some mistake, they proceeded to Breed's Hill, and by 
the dawn of day, had thrown up a redoubt eight rods square, 
and four feet high. 

On discovering this redoubt in the morning, the British com- 
menced a severe cannonade upon it, from several ships and 
floating batteries, and from a fortification on Copp's Hill, in 
Boston, which was continued until afternoon. The Americans, 
however, never intermitted their work for a moment, and du- 
ring the forenoon, lost but a single man. 

Between twelve and one o'clock, three thousand British un- 
der command of Major Gen. Howe, and Brigadier Gen. Pigot, 
crossed Charles River, with an intention to dislodge the Ame- 
ricans. 

As they advanced, the British commenced firing at some dis- 
tance from the redoubt ; but the Americans reserved their fire, 
until the enemy were within twelve rods. They then opened, 
and the carnage was terrible. The British retreated in preci- 
pitate confusion. They were, however, rallied by their officers, 
being, in some instances, pushed on by their swords, and were 
again led to the attack. The Americans now suffered them to 
approach within six rods, when their fire mowed them down in 
heaps, and again they fled. Unfortunately for the Americans, 
their ammunition here failed ; and, on the third charge of the 
British, they were obliged to retire, after having obstinately re- 
sisted even longer than prudence admitted. The British lost in 
this engagement two hundred and twenty-six killed, among 
whom was Major Pitcairn, who first lighted the torch of war at 
Lexington, and eight hundred and twenty-eight wounded. The 
Americans bst one hundred and thirty-nine killed, and of 
wounded and missing there were three hundred and fourteen. 
Among the killed was the lamented Gen. Warren. 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 165 



o 



The horrours of this scene were greatly increased by the con- 
flagration of Charlestown, effected, during the heat of the battle, 
by the orders of Gen. Gage. By this wanton act of barbarity, 
two thousand people were deprived of their habitations, and 
property to the amount of one hundred and twenty thousand 
pounds sterling perished in the flames. " Wanton, however 
as the burning of Charlestown was, it wonderfully enhanced 
llie dreadful magnificence of the day. To the volleys of 
musketry and the roar of cannon ; to the shouts of the fight- 
ing and the groans of the dying ; to the dark and awful at- 
mosphere of smoke, enveloping the whole peninsula, and illu- 
mined in every quarter by the streams of fire from the various 
instruments of death ; the conflagration of six hundred buildings 
added a gloomy and amazing grandeur. In the midst of this 
waving lake of flame, the lofty steeple converted into a blazing 
pyramid, towered and trembled over the vast pyre, and finished 
the scene of desolation.''* 

To the Americans, the consequences of this battle were those 
of a derided victory. They learned that their enemies were not 
invulnerable. At the same time, they learned the importance 
of stricter discipline, and greater preparations. As the result of 
the battle spread, the national pulse beat still higher, and the 
arm of opposition was braced still more firmly. 

Section XIX. The second continental con- 
grass met at Pliiladelpliia, on the 10th of May. 
As military opposition to Great Britain was now 
resolved upon by the colonies, and had actually 
commenced, it became necessary to fix upon a 
proper person to conduct that opposition. The 
person unanimously selected by congress was 
George Washington, a member of their body, 
Trom Virginia. 

General Washington, ki his reply to the President of Con- 
gress, who announced to him his appointment, after consenting 
ro enter upon the momentous duty assigned him, added : " But 
lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable to my re- 
putation, I beg it may be remembered, by every gentleman in 
the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I 
do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured with. 

" As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that as 



* DwiKht'9 Travels. 



166 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

Tio pecuniary consideration could have tempted rae to accept 
this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease 
and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. 1 
will keep an exact account of my expenses. Those I doubt 
not ihey will discharge, and tliat is all 1 desire.'"* 

A special commission was drawn up and presented to him, 
as commander in chief of the American forces ; on presenting 
it, congress unanimously adopted this resolution : " that they 
would maintain and assist him, and adhere to him with theii 
lives and fortunes in the cause of American liberty." 

Following the appointment of General Washington, was the 
appointment of four Major-Cenerals, Arteraas Ward, Charles 
Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam ; and eight Brigadier 
Generals, Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, 
William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, 
and Nathaniel Greene. 

Section XX. Gen. Washington, on his arrival 
at Cambridge, on the second of July, was re- 
ceived with joyful acclamations by the American 
army. He found them stretched from Roxbury 
to Cambridge, and thence to Mystic river, a dis- 
tance of twelve miles. The British forces oc- 
cupied Bunker and Breed's hill, and Boston 
Neck. 

The attention of the commander in chief was immediately di- 
rected to the strength and situation of the enemy, and to the in- 
troduction of system and union into the army, the want of which 
pervaded every department. This was a delicate and difficult 
attempt, but the wisdom and firmness of Washington removed 
every obstacle, and at length brought even independent freemen, 
in a good degree, to the controul of military discipline. 

Section XXI. While Washington was em- 
ployed in organizing his army, and preparing 
for future operations, an important expedition 



— ( 



* The whole sum which, in the course of the war, passed through his 
hands amounted only to fourteen thousand four hundred and seventy-nine 
pounds sterling. After Gen. Wasliington's elevation to the presidency, lie 
continued to send to the comptrollers of the treasury an annual account of 
his expenses, which, in some years, amounted to thirty-one thousand 
dollars. As the salary fixed by law for that office was no more than 
twenty-five thousand dollars, the excess he paid out of his private funds 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. lC7 

was planned against Canada, the charge of which 
was assigned to Gens. Schuyler and Montgomery. 
On the 10th of September, one thousand Ame- 
rican troops landed at St. Johns, the first British 
post in Canada, one hundred and fifteen miles 
north of Ticonderoga, but found it advisable to 
retire to the Isle aux Noix, twelve miles south of 
St. Johns. Here the health of Gen. Schuyler 
obliged him to return to Ticonderoga, and the 
command devolved on Gen. Montgomery. This 
enterprising officer, in a few days, returned to 
the investment of St. Johns, and on the 3d of 
November, received the surrender of this import- 
ant post. 

On the surrender of St. Johns, five hundred regulars and one 
•lundred Canadians became prisoners to the provincials. There 
were also taken thirty-nine pieces of cannon, seven mortars, 
and five hundred stands of arms. 

Gen. Montgomery next proceeded against 
Montreal, which, without resistance, capitulated. 
From Montreal he rapidly proceeded towards 
Quebec. 

Before his arrival, however. Col. Arnold, who 
had been despatched by Gen. Washington with 
one thousand American troops from Cambridge, 
had reached Quebec by the w^ay of the Kenne- 
beck,ariver of Maine, — had ascended the heights 
of Abraham, where the brave Wolfe ascended be- 
fore him ; but had found it necessary to retire to 
a place twenty- miles above Quebec, where he 
was waiting for the arrival of Montgomery. 

Seldom was there an expedition attempted during the Ameri- 
can war, in which more hardship was endured, or more untiring 
perseverance manifested, than in this of Arnold's. In ascending 
the Kennebeck, his troops were constantly obliged to work 
against an impetuous current, and often to haul their batteaux up 
rapid currents and over dangerous falls. Nor was their march 
through the country, by an unexpl >red route of three hundred 
miles, less difficult or dangerous. 1 hey had swamps and woodSj 



168 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

mountains and precipices alternately to surpass. Added tu 
their other trials, their provisions failed, and, to support life, 
they were obliged to eat their dogs, cartouch boxes, clothes and 
shoes. While at the distance of one hundred miles from human 
habitations, they divided their whole store, about four pints ol 
flour to a man. At thirty miles distance, they had baked and 
eaten their last pitiful morsel. Yet the courage and fortitude of 
these men continued unshaken. They were suffering for their 
country's cause, were toiling for wives and children, were con- 
tending for the rights and blessings of freedom. After thirty 
one days of incessant toil through a hideous wilderness, they 
reached the habitations of men. 

Dec. 1st, Montgomery having effected a junc- 
tion with Arnold, commenced tlie siege of Que- 
bec. After continuing the siege nearly a month 
to little purpose, the bold plan was adopted of 
attempting the place by scaling the walls. Two 
attacks were made, at the same time, in different 
quarters of the town, by Montgomery and Ar- 
nold. The attempt, however, proved unsuccess- 
ful, and, to the great loss and grief of America, 
fatal to the brave Montgomery. He fell while 
attempting to force a barrier, and with him fell 
two distinguished officers, Capt. M'Pherson, his 
aid, and Capt Cheeseman. 

After this repulse, Arnold retired about three 
miles from Quebec, where he continued encamp- 
ed through a rigorous winter. On the return of 
spring, 1776, finding his forces inadequate to the 
reduction of Quebec, and not being reinforced, 
he retired. By the 18th of June, the Americans, 
having been compelled to relinquish one post 
after another, had wholly evacuated Canada. 

The garrison of Quebec consisted, at the time of the above at- 
tack, of about one thousand five hundred men ; the American 
forces were near eight hundred. The loss of the Americans in 
killed and wounded was about one hundred, and three hundred 
were taken prisoners. 

The death of General Montgomery was deeply lamented both 
in Europe and America. " The most powerful' speakers in tl*e 



PERIOD V....1773....1783....REVOLUTIO> lG9 

British parliament displayed their eloquence in praising his vir- 
tues and lamenting his fall." Congress directed a monument to 
be erected to his memory, expressive of their sense of his high 
patriotism and heroick conduct. 

Section XXII. During this year, 1775, Virgi- 
nia, through the indiscretion of lord Dunmore, 
the royal governour, was involved in difficulties 
little short of those to w^hich the inhabitants of 
Massachusetts were subjected. From the ear- 
liest stages of the controversy with Great Bri- 
tain, the Virginians had been in the foremost 
rank of opposition, and, in common with other 
provinces, had taken measures for defence. 

These measures for defence, the royal govern- 
our regarded with an eye of suspicion, and at- 
tempted to thwart them by the removal of guns 
and ammunition, which had been stored by the 
people in a magazine. The conduct of the go 
vernour roused the inhabitants, and occasioned 
intemperate expressions of resentment. Appre- 
nending personal danger, lord Dunmore retired 
on board the Fovi^ey mtn of war, from which he 
issued his proclamations, instituting martial law, 
and proffering freedom to such slaves as would 
leave their masters, and repair to the royal stand- 
ard. Here, also, by degrees, he equipped and 
armed a number of vessels, and, upon being re- 
fused provisions by the provincials, from on shore,, 
he proceeded to reduce the town of Norfolk to 
ashes. The loss was estimated at three hundred 
thousand pounds sterling. Nearly six thousand 
persons were deprived of their habitations. 

In like manner, the royal governours of North and South 
Carolina thought it prudent to retire, and seek safety on board 
men of war. Royal government generally terminated this year 
throughout the country, the king's governours, tor the most part, 
abdicating their governments, and taking refuge on board the 
English shipping. 

15 



M. 



170 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

Section XXUl. Early in the spring of 1776, 
Gen. Washington contemplated the expulsion of 
the British arjny from Boston, by direct assault. 
In a council of war, it was deemed expedient, 
however, rather to take possession of, and fortify 
Dorchester Heights, which commanded the har 
hour and British shipping. The night of the 
4th of March was selected for the attempt. Ac- 
cordingly, in the evening a covering party of 
eight hundred, followed by a working party of 
twelve hundred, with entrenching tools, took pos- 
session of the Heights, unobserved by the ene- 
my. 

Here they set themselves to work with so 
much activity, that by morning, they had con- 
structed fortifications which completely sheltered 
them. The surprise of the British cannot easily 
be conceived. The English admiral after ex- 
amining the works, declared that, if the Ameri- 
cans were not dislodged from their position, his 
vessels could no longer remain in safety in the 
harbour. It was determined, therefore, by the 
British, to evacuate Boston, which they now 
did, and on the 17th, the British troops, under 
command of lord William Howe, successor of 
Gen. Gage, sailed for Halifax. General Wash- 
ington, to the great joy of the inhabitants, army, 
and nation, immediately marched into the town. 

The rear guard of the British was scarcely out of the town, 
when Washington entered it on the other side, with colours 
displayed, drums beatinfj, and all the forms of victory and tri- 
umph. He was received l)y the inhabitants, with demonstra- 
tions of joy and gratitude. Six*een months had the people suf- 
fered the distresses of hunger* and the outrages of an insolent 
soldiery. 



*Provtsions had been so scarce In Boston, that a pound of fresh fish 
was t\rs!ve pence sterlins, a goose eight sliillings and four pence, a turkey 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 17I 

' The town presented a melancholy spectacle, at tlie time the 
irmy of Washington entered. One thousand five hundred loyal- 
ists, witti their families, had just departed on boaid the British 
flee.., tearing themselves from home and friends, for the love of 
the ro^^al cause. Churches were stripped of pews and benches 
for fuel, shops were opened and rifled of goods to c'othe the 
army, and houses had been pillaged by an unfeeling soldiery. 

Section XXIV. While affairs were proceed* 
ing thua in the north, an attempt was made, in 
June and July, to destroy the fort on Sullivan's 
Island, near Charleston, S. C. by Gen. Clinton 
and Sir Peter Parker. After an action of up- 
wards of ten hours, the British were obliged to 
retire, havipg their ships nearly torn to pieces, 
and with a loss of two hundred killed and 
wounded. The loss of the Americans was but 
ten killed, and twenty-two wounded. 

The fort was commanded by Col. Moidtrie, whose garrison 
consisted of but three hundred and seventy five regulars, and a 
k\v militia. On the fort was mounted twenty-six cannon of 
eighteen and nine pounders. The British force consisted of two 
fifty gun ships, and four frigates, each of twenty-eight guns, 
besides several smaller vessels, with three thousand troops on 
board. By this repulse of the British, the southern states ob- 
tained a respite from the calamities of war for two yeai's and a 
half. 

- Among the American troops who resisted the British, in their 
attack on fort Moultrie, was a sergeant Jasper, whose name has 
been given to one of the counties in Georgia, in commemoration 
of his gallant deeds, and who deserves an honourable notice in 
every history of his country. In the warmest part of the con- 
test, the flag stafl^ was severed by a cannon ball, and the flag 
fell to the bottom of the ditch, on the outside of the works. This 
accident was considered, by the anxious inhabitants in Charles- 
ton, as putting an end to the contest, by striking the American 
flag to the enemy. The moment Jasper made the discovery, 
that the flag had fallen, he jumped from one of the embrasures, 



twelve shillings and six pence, a duck eight shillings and two pence, hens 
two shillings and one penny per pound. A sheep cost thirty-five shillings 
sterling, apples thirty-three shillings and four pence per bushel. Fire wood 
forty-one shillings and eight pence per cord, and finalljr was not to be uro- 
cured at any phce. 



172 PERIOD V....1775....1783.mJIEVOLUTION. 

and tooic up the flag, which he tied to a post, and replace] it on 
the parapet, where he supported it until another flag staff wjis 
procured. 

The subsequent activity and enterprise of this patriot induced 
Col. Moultrie to give him a sort of roving commission, to go and 
come at pleasure, confident that lie was always usefully em- 
ployed. He was privileged to select such men from the regi- • 
ment as he should choose, to accompany him in his enterprises. 
His parties consisted generally of five or six, and lie often re- 
turned with prisoners, before Moultrie was apprised of his ab-^ 
sence. Jasper was distinguished for his humane treatment 
when an enemy fell into his power. His ambition appears to 
have been limited to the characteristicks of bravery, humanity, 
and usefulness to the cause in which he was engaged. By his 
cunning and enterprise, he often succeeded in the capture ol 
those who were lying in ambush for him. He entered the Bri- 
tish lines, and remained seveial days in Savannah, in disguise, 
and, after informing himself of their strength and intentions, re- 
turned to the American camp with useful information to hia 
commanding officer. 

In one of these excursions, an instance of bravery and hu- 
manity is recorded, by the biographer of General Marion, 
which could not be credited if it was not well attested. While 
lie was examining tiie British camp at Ebenezer, all the sympa- 
thy of his heart was awakened by the distresses of a Mrs. Jones, 
whose husband, an Am*^rican by biitb, had taken the king's 
protection, and been confined in irons for doserting the royav 
cause, after he had taken the oath of allegiance. Her well 
founded belief was, that nothing short of the life of her husband 
would atone for the offence with which he was charged. An- 
ticipating the awful scene of a beloved husband expiring on the 
gibbet, had excited inexpressible emotions of grief and distrac- 
tion. Jasper secretly consulted with his companion, Serjeant 
Nevnon, whose feelings for the distressed female and her child 
were equally excited with his own, upon the practicability of 
releasing Jones from his impending fate. Though they were 
unable to suggest a plan of operation, they were determined to 
wat«".h for the most favourable opportunity, and make the effort. 

The departure of Jones and several others, all in irons, to 
Savannah, for trial, under a guard, consisting of a serjeant, cor- 
poral, and eight men, was ordered upon the succeeding n? .-trn- 
ing. Within two miles of Savannah, about thirty yards rom 
the main road, is a spring of fine water, surrounded by a Jeep 
and thick underwood, where travellers often halt to refresh 
themselves with a cool draught from this pure fountain. JaspT 
and his companion selected this s))ot as the most favourable U t 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 173 

their enterprise. They accordingly passed the guard, and con- 
cealed themselves near the spring. 

When the enemy came up, they halted, and two of the guard 
only remained with the prisoners, while the others leaned their 
guns against trees in a careless manner, and went to the spring. 
Jasper and Newton sprung from their place of concealment, 
seized two of the muskets, and shot the sentinels. The posses- 
sion of all the arms placed the enemy in their power, and com- 
pelled them to surrender. The irons were taken oflf from the 
prisoners, and arms put into their hands. The whole party ar- 
rived at Perrysburg, the next morning, and joined the American 
camp. There are but few instances upon record where personal 
exertions, even for self-preservation from certain prospects of 
death, would have induced a resort to an act so desperate of 
execution ; how much more laudable was this, where the spring 
to action was roused by the lamentations of a female unknown 
to the adventurers ! 

Subsequently to the gallant defence at Sullivan's Island, Col. 
Moultrie's regiment was presented Avith a stand of colours by 
Mrs. ElHot, which she had richly embroidered with her own 
hands ; and, as a reward of Jaspei''s particular merits, Govern- 
our Rutledge presented him with a very handsome sword. Du- 
ring the assault against Savannah, two officers had been killed 
and one wounded, endeavouring to plant these colours upon the 
enemy's parapet of the Springhill redoubt. Just before the re- 
treat was ordered, Jasper endeavoured to replace them upon the 
works, and while he was iu the act, received a mortal wound 
and fell into the ditch. When a retreat was ordered, he recol- 
lected the honourable condition upon which the donor presented 
the colours to his regiment, and among the last acts of his life, 
succeeded in bringing them off. 

Major Horry called to see him soon after the retreat, to 
« hom, it is said, he made the following communication. " I 
have got my furlough. That sword was presented to me by 
Governour Rutledge, for my services in the defence of fort 
Moultrie. Give it to my father, and tell him I have worn it 
with honour. If he should weep, tell him his son died in the 
hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Elliot that I lost ray life, sup- 
porting the colours which she presented to our regiment. If 
you should ever see Jones, his wife and son, tell them that Jas- 
per is gone, but that the remembrance of the battle, which 
he fought for them, brought a secret joy to his heart when il 
was about to stop its motion forever." He expired a few min- 
utes after closing this sentence.* 

♦ M'CaJl's Georgia, Vol. II. 
15* 



174 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTIOK. 

Section XXV. During these transactions in 
the south, the continental congress was in ses- 
sion, intently observing the aspect of things, and 
deeply revolving the probable issue of the pre- 
sent important contest. The idea of independ- 
ence had now been broached among the people, 
and the way was, in a measure, prepared to 
bring the subject before the congress. 

Accordingly, on the 8th of June, Richard 
Henry Lee, one of the deputies from Virginia, 
rose and made a motion to declare America free 
and independent. 

Mr. Lee addressed the house on this motion, and concluded 
as follows : " Why then do we longer delay, why still deliber- 
ate ? Let this most happy day give birth to the American re- 
publick. Let her arise, not to devastate and conquer, but to 
re-establish the reign of peace and of the laws. The eyes of 
Europe are fixed upon us ; she demands of us a living example 
of freedom, that may contrast, by the felicity of the citizens, 
with the ever increasing tyranny which desolates her polluted 
shwes. She invites us to prepare an asylum, where the unhap- 
py may find solace, and the persecuted repose. She entreats us to 
cultivate a propitious soil, where that generous plant, which 
first sprang up and grew in England, but is now withered by 
(he poisonous blasts of Scottish tyranny, may revive and flourish, 
sheltering under its salubrious and interminable shade, all the 
unfortunate of the human race. 

This is the end presaged by so many omens, by our first 
victories, by the present ardour and union, by the flight of 
Howe,* and the pestilence which broke out amongst Dun- 
more's people,! by the very winds which baffled the enemy's 
fleets and transports, and that terrible tempest which ingulphed 
seven hundred vessels upon the coast of Newfoundland. If we 
are not this day wanting in our duty to our country, the names 



♦ Alluding to the evacuation of Boston by the British, under Howe, 
page 170. 

t Lord Dunmore, the royal govewiour of Virginia, retired to the Fowey 
man of war, as noticed page 169, onboard of which, and the other vessels 
of Ms squadron, a pestilential malady broke out, which carried off great 
numbers of the crowd, both white and black, which had thronged the 
Tcssds. 



fERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 175 

of the American legislators will be placed, by posterity, at the 
side of those of Theseus, of Lycurgus, of Romulus, of Numa, 
of the three Williams of Nassau, and of all those whose memory 
has been, and will be for ever dear to virtuous men, and good 
citizens." 

The deputies of Pennsylvania and Maryland 
not being present, and congress being desirous, 
by some delay, to evince the maturity of their 
deliberations, adjourned the further considera- 
tion of the subject to the first of July. 

On the arrival of the day assigned, the sub- 
ject was resumed, and on the ^th of July, 1776, 
upon the report of Thomas Jefferson, John 
Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, 
and Philip Livingston, the thirteen confederate 
colonies dissolved their allegiance to the British 
crown, and declared themselves Free and Inde- 
pendent, under the name of the Thirteen Uni- 
ted States of America. 

After specifically enumerating the wrongs received, and de- 
claring these to be sufficient grounds for a separation, they sol- 
emnly and deliberately proceeded to the act of separation, in 
the words following : 

" We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of 
America, in general congress assembled, appealing to the Su- 
preme Judge of the world, for the rectitude of our intentions, 
and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly 
publish and declare, That these united colonies are, and of 
right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are 
absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all 
political connection between them and the state of Great Britain 
is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that as free and in- 
dependent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all 
other acts and things, which independent states may of right do. 
And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on 
the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each 
other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." 

The members who composed this congress, all of whom 
signed the declaration; were^ i 



m' 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTKW. 



John Hancock, President, from Massachiuettt. 



"Neto-Hampshire. 
Josiah Bartlett, 
William Whipple, 
Matthew Thornton. 

Massachusetts. 
Samuel Adams, 
John Adams, 
Robert Treat Paine, 
Elbridge Gerry. 

Rhode-Island. 
Stephen Hopkins, 
William Eller3^ 

Connecticut. 
Roger Sherman, 
Samuel Huntington, 
William Williams, 
Oliver Wolcott. 

New-York. 
William Floyd, 
Philip Livingston, 
Francis Lewis, 
Lewis Morris. 

New-Jersey. 
Richard Stockton, 
John Witherspoon, 
Francis Hopkinson, 
John Hart, 
Abraham Clark. 

Pennsylvania. 
Robert Morris, 
Benjamin Rush, 
Benjamin Franklin. 
John Morton, 



James Smith, 
George Taylor, 
James Wilson, 
George Ross. 

Delaware. 
Caesar Rodney, 
George Read. 

Maryland 
Samuel Chase, 
William Paca, 
Thomas Stone, 
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 

Virginia. 
George Wythe, 
Richard Henry Lee, 
Thomas Jefferson, 
Benjamin Harrison, 
Thomas Nelson, Jun. 
Thomas Lightfoot Lee, 
Carter Braxton. 

North Carolina. 
William Hooper, 
Joseph Hewes, 
John Penn. 

South Carolina. 
Edward Rutledge, 
Thomas Hayward, Jun. 
Thomas Lynch, Jun. 
Arthur Middleton. 

Georgia. 
Button Gwinnett, 
Lyman Hall, 
George Walton. 



George Clyraer, 

This declaration was received by the people with transports 
of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various parts of the 
Union. In New- York, the statue of George IH. was taken 
down, and the lead, of which it was composed, was converted 
into musket balls. In Boston, the garrison was drawn up in 
King's street, which from that moment, took the name of State- 
street, and thirteen salutes, by thirteen detachments, mto which 
the troops were formed, were fired ; the bells of the town were 
rung, in token of felicitation, and the evening concluded witli 
the tearing in pieces, and burning, the ensigns of royally — 
lions, sceptres, and crowns. 



I 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 177 

In Virginia, the exultation exceeded description. On learn- 
ing the measures of Congress, the Virginia convention immedi- 
ately decreed, that the name of the king should be suppressed 
in all the publick prayers. They ordained that the great seal 
of the commonwealth should represent Virtue as the tutelary 
genius of the province, robed in drapery of an Amazon, rest- 
ing one hand upon her lance, and holding with the other a 
sword, trarapHng upon tyranny, under the figure of a prostrate 
man, having near him a crown, fa'len from his head, and bear- 
ing in one hand a broken chain, and in the other a scourge. At 
the foot was charactered the word Virginia, and round the effigy 
of virtue was inscribed : — Sic semper tyrannis. The reverse 
represented a group of figures; in the middle stood Liberty, 
with her wand and cap ; on one side was Ceres, with a horn of 
plenty in the right hand, and a sheaf of wheat in the left ; upon 
tiie other appeared Eternity, with the globe and the phoenix. 
At the foot were found these woids: — Deus nobis hcec otia fe- 
cit. 

Section XXVI. Soon after the evacuation of 
Boston by the British troops, V^ashington, be- 
lieving that the possession of New- York would 
be with them a favourite object, determined to 
make it the head quarters of his army, and there- 
by prevent their occupation of it, if such a step 
had been contemplated. Accordingly, he soon 
removed to that city with the principal part of 
his troops. 

Section XXVll. On the 10th of June, Gen. 
William Howe, with the army which had evacu- 
ated Boston, arrived from Halifax, off Sandy 
Hook. Here he was soon after joined by his 
brother, Admiral Lord Howe, from England, 
with a reinforcement. Their combined forces 
amounted to twenty-four thousand. On the 2d 
of August, they landed near the Narrows, nine 
miles from the city. 

Section XXVHI. Previous to the commence- 
ment of hostilities. Admiral and Gen. Howe 
communicated to Washington, that they were 
commissioned to settle all difficulties, between 



178 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

Great Britain and the colonies. But, not ad 
dressing Washington by the title due to his rank, 
he thought proper to decline receiving their com- 
munication. It appeared, however, that the 
power of these commissioners extended little 
farther than, in the language of their instruc- 
tions, '' to grant pardons to such as deserve 
mercy." 

Section XXIX. The American army, in and 
near New-York, amounted to seventeen thou- 
sand two hundred and twenty-five men, a part 
of whom were encamped near Brooklyn, on 
Long-Island. On the 27th of August, this body 
of the Americans, under command of Brigadier 
Gen. Sullivan, were attacked by the British, un- 
der Sir Henry Clinton, Percy, and Cornwallis, 
and were defeated with the loss of upwards of a 
thousand men, while the loss of the British 
amounted to less than four hundred. Gen. Sul- 
livan, and Brigadier Generals Lord Sterling 
and Woodhull, fell into the hands of the British, 
as prisoners. 

In the heat of the engagement, Gen, Washington had crossed 
over to Brooklyn from New- York, and on seeing some of Ins '' 
best troops slaughtered, or taken, he uttered, it is said, an ex 
clamation of anguish. But deep as his anguish was, and much 
as he wished to succour his troops, prudence forbad the calling 
in of his forces from New- York, as they would, by no means 
have sufficed to render his army equal to that of the English. 

Section XXX. After the repulse at Brooklyn, 
perceiving the occupation of his position on Long- 
Island to be of no probable importance, Wash- 
ington withdrew his troops to New- York, and 
soon after evacuated the city, upon which, on 
the 12th of October, the British entered it. 

Seldom, if ever, was a retreat conducted with more ability j 
and prudence, or under more favourable auspices, than that of 
the American troops from Long-Island. The necessary pr^ 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLOT10N. I79 

parations having been made, on the 29th of August, at eight in 
the evening, the troops began to move in the greatest silence. 
But they were not on board their vessels before eleven. A vio- 
lent northeast wind and the ebb tide, which rendered the cur- 
rent very rapid, prevented the passage. The time pressed, 
however. Fortunately, the wind suddenly veered to the north- 
west. They immediately made sail, and landed in New- York. 
Providence appeared to have watched over the Americans. 
About two o'clock in the morning, a thick fog, and at this sea- 
son of the year extraordinary, covered all Long-Island, whereas 
the air was perfectly clear on the side of New-York. Notwith- 
standing the entreaties of his officers, Washington remained the 
last upon the shore. It was not till the next morning, when the 
sun was already high, and the fog dispelled, that the English 
perceived the Americans had abandoned their camp, and were 
eheltered from pursuit. 

Washington with a part of his troops, retired 
to White Plains, where he entrenched himself 
with great care. Here, on the morning of the 
28th of September, he was attacked by Gene- 
rals Clinton and Heister. The loss in the ac- 
tion on each side, was several hundred. — But 
neither party could claim any decided advan- 
tage. 

While Washington was retiring from New- 
York, Sir William Howe seized the opportunity 
to reduce Fort Washington, on the Hudson, 
then under the command of Col. Magaw. 

Nov. 16th, the English forces invested the fort, and after a 
severe contest, which continued nearly all day. Col Magaw, 
finding his ammunition mostly exhausted, surrendered the fort, 
and with it about two thousand seven hundred men as prisoners 
of war. The surrender of Fort Washington was followed short- 
ly after, by the surrender of Fort Lee, on the Jersey shore, the? 
garrison abandoning it on the approach of the enemy. 

Section XX XT. Washington, having crossed 
the North River, continued his retreat to New- 

f ark, Brunswicli;, Princeton, and Trenton ; and 
thence crossed to the Pennsylvania side of the 
Delaware ; Lord Corn wal lis being close in his 

I rear. This retreat through New-Jersey was at- 



180 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

tended by circumstances of deep depression. 
The Americans had just lost two thousand seven 
hundred men in Fort Washington ; rmmbers of 
the militia were daily claiming to be discharged, 
and some of the leading characters, both in New- 
Jersey and Pennsylvania, were changing sides, 
and making peace with the enemy. 

In this season of general despondency, congress recommend- 
ed to each of the States, the observance of a " day of solemn 
fasting and humiliation before God." At the same time they 
called upon the States to furnish militia to reinforce the continent- 
al army, now so enfeebled as scarcely to amount to three thou- 
sand men. Soon after, one thousand five hundred Pennsylva- 
nian militia joined the American standard. 

Section XXXII. Notwithstanding the general 
aspect of affairs, on the part of America, was 
thus forbidding, the continental congress, so far 
from betraying symptoms of despair, manifested 
more confidence than ever ; and, as if success 
must eventually crown their enterprises, calmly 
occupied themselves in drawing up various ar- 
ticles of confederation, and perpetual union be- 
tween the States. 

Such articles were obviously necessary, that 
the line of distinction between the powers of the 
respective States, and of congress, should be 
exactly defined. In this way, only, would col- 
lisions be avoided, and the peace and harmony 
of the union be preserved. 

Accordingly, such articles were now digested, 
and at the sitting of congress, Oct. 4th, 1776, 
were signed by all the members, and copies im- 
mediately sent to the respective assemblies of 
each State for approbation. The principal ar- 
ticles of confederation were the following 

" They al! and each obligate themselves to contribpte for the 
common defence, and for the maintenance of their liberties. 
" Each particular state preserved the exclusive right of regu 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION i8l 

latlng its internal government, and of framing laws in ail mat- 
ters, not included in the articles of confederation, and which 
would not be prejudicial to it. 

" No particular State was either to send, or to receive ambas- 
sadors, enter into negotiations, contract engagements, form al- 
liances, or make war, except in the case of sudden attack, with 
any king, prince or power, whatsoever, without the consent ol 
the United States. 

" No individual, holding any magistracy, office, or commis- 
sion, whatsoever, from the United States, or from any of them, 
was allowed to accept of any presents, or any office, or title ol 
any kind whatsoever, from any foreign king, prince, or pottn 
tate. 

*' No assembly was to confer titles of nobility. 

" No State was to make alliances or treaties of what kind 60- 
ever, with another, without the consent of all. 

" Each particular State had authority to maintain, in peace 
as well as war, the number of armed ships and of land troops, 
judged necessary, by the general assembly of all the States, and 
uo more. 

" There shall be a publick treasury for the service of the con- 
federation, to be replenished by the particular contributions of 
each State ; the same to be proportioned according to the num- 
ber of inhabitants, of every age, sex, or condition, with the ex- 
ception of Indians. 

" A general congress was to be convoked every year, on tht 
first Monday of November, to be coniposed of deputies from al^ 
the States ; it was invested with all the powers that belonged tc 
the sovereigns of other nations." These powers were exactly 
enumerated. 

" Every individual holding any office, and either wages, 
salary, or emolument whatsoever, was thereby excluded from 
congress. 

" There was to be a council of state composed of one deputy 
from each province, nominated annually by his colleagues, of 
the same State, and in case these should not agree, by ine gei»e- 
ral congress.'-' Each State was to have but one vote. 

'' During the session, as well as the recess of the general con- 
gress, the coxincil of state was to be charged with the manage- 
ment of the publick affaiis of the confederation, always restricl- 
ing itself, however, within the limits prescribed by the laws, an J 
particularly by the articles of the confederation itself." 

Section XX XI 11. December 25th, at night, 

Washington recrossed the Delaware into New- 
Jersev, and, pushing his way rapidly to Trentoik, 

16 



1 82 PERIOD T....1775....1783....BEVOLUTION. 

surprised and took prisoners, on the following 
day, about one thousand Hessians, then in the 
service of the British. Having secured these 
prisoners on the Pennsylvania side of the Dela- 
ware, he marched to Princeton, and attacked a 
party of British, who had taken refuge in the 
college. About sixty of the enemy were killed, 
and three hundred made prisoners. 

The successes at Trenton and Princeton re- 
vived the desponding friends of independence. 
During the month of December, a melancholy 
gloom had overspread the United States. These 
successes, however, seemed to brighten the pros- 
pect, and promise better things. Washington 
now retired to Morristown, where his army were 
nearly all inoculated with the small pox, that 
disease having appeared among the troops, and 
rendering such a measure necessary. The dis- 
ease proved mortal but in few instances, nor was 
there a day in which the soldiers could not, if 
called upon, have fought the enemy. 

Section XXXIV. On the opening of the cam- 
paign of 1777, the army of Washington, although 
congress had oftered to recruits bounties in land, 
and greater wages, amounted to little more than 
seven thousand men. Towards the latter end 
of May, Washington quitted his winter encamp- 
ment at Morristown, and, about the same time, 
the royal army moved from Brunswick, which 
they had occupied during the winter. Much 
shifting of the armies followed, but no definite 
plan of operation had apparently been settled 
by either. 

Previous to this, however, General Howe sent a detachment 
of two thousand men, under command of Gen. Tryon, Gen. 
Agnew, and Sir William Erskine, to destroy some stores and 
orovisions deposited at Danbury, in Connecticut, fleeting 



PERIOD V....1775....1783...JIEVOLUTION. 183 

with no resistance they reached Danbury on the 26th of April, 
and destroyed one thousand eight hundred barrels of beef and 
pork, and eight hundred of flour, two thousand bushels of grain, 
clothing for a regiment, one hundred hogsheads of rum, and one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety tents. Besides the destruc* 
tion of these articles, the enemy wantonly burned eighteen hous- 
es with their furniture, murdered three unoflending inhabitants, 
and threw them into the flames. 

Generals Sullivan, Wooster, and Arnold happening to be in 
the neighbourhood, hastily collected about six hundred militia, 
with whom they marched in pursuit, m a heavy rain, as far as 
Bethel, about two miles from Danbury. On the morning of the 
27th of April, the troops were divided, Gen. Wooster with 
about three hundred men, falling in the rear of the enemy, whil 
Arnold took post in front, at Ridgefield. 

Gen. Wooster proceeded to attack the enemy, in which en- 
gagement he was mortally wounded, and from which his troops 
were compelled to retire. At Ridgefield, Arnold warmiy re- 
ceived the enemy on their retreat, and although repulsed, return- 
ed to the attack the next day on their march to the Sound. Find- 
ing themselves continually annoyed by the resolute and courage- 
ous yeomanry of the country through which they passed, they 
hastened to embark on board their ships, in which they sailed 
for New-York. Their killed, wounded, and missing, amounted 
to about one hundred and seventv : the loss of the Americans 
was not admitted to exceed one hundred. Gen. Wooster, now 
in his seventieth year, lingered with his wounds until the 2d of 
May. Congress resolved that a monument should be erected to 
his memory. To Gen. Arnold they presented a horse, properly 
caparisoned, as a reward for his gallantry on the occasion. 

At length, the British General Howe, leaving 
New-Jersey, embarked at Sandy Hook, with 
sixteen thousand men, and sailed for the Chesa- 
peake. On the 14th of August, he landed his 
troops, at the head of Elk river, in Maryland. 

It being now obvious that his design was the 
occupation of Philadelphia, Washington imme 
diately put the American army in motion, to 
wards that place, to prevent, if possible, its fall 
ing into the hands of the enemy. 

The two armies met at Brandywine, Dela- 
ware, on the 11th of September, and after an 



184 PERIOD V....1775....1783.. .BEVOLUTION. 

engagement, which continued nearly all day, 
the Americans were compelled to retire. 

The loss of the Americans in this action was estimated at 
three hundred killed, and six hundred wounded. Between 
three and four hundred, principally the wounded, were made 
prisoners. The loss of the British was stated at less than one 
hundred killed, and four hundred wounded. 

Not considering tlie battle of Brandywine as decisive, con 
gress, which was sitting in Philadelphia, recommended to the 
commander in chief to risk another engagement ; preparations 
for which were accordingly made. Sept. l6th, the two armies 
drew near to each other, and the advance guards began to 
skirmish, when they were separated by a heavy rain, which 
rendered the musketry and ammunition of the armies wholly 
unfit for action. 

Section XXXV. An easy access to Philadel- 
phia was now presented to the enemy, and on 
the 26th, Howe entered the place without mo- 
lestation. The principal part of the British 
army was stationed at Germantown, six miles 
from Philadelphia. Congress adjourned to 
Lancaster, and Waehingion t-ncamped at eigh- 
teen miles distance from Germantown. 

Section XXXVI. Immediately after the oc- 
cupation of Philadelphia, the attention of Gen. 
Howe was drawn to the reduction of some forts 
on the Delaware, which rendered the naviga- 
tion of that river unsafe to the British. — Ac- 
cordingly, a pari of the royal army was detach- 
ed for that purpose. Washington seized the 
opportunity to attack the remainder at German- 
town. 

This attack was made Oct. 4th, but, after a 
severe action, the Americans were repulsed with 
a loss of double that of the British. The loss 
of the Americans was two hundred killed, six 
hundred wounded, and four hundred prisoners ,* 
that of the British was about one hundred kill- 
ed, and five hundred wounded. 



PERIOD V....l773....178i....BEVOLUTION. 185 

After this action, the British removed to 
Philadelphia, where they continued long inac- 
tive. Washington retreated to Skippack creek, 
and there encamped. 

Great was the chagrin of Washington, on account of the re- 
pulse at Germantown, which was much increased by the auspi- 
cious commencement of the battle, and the flattering piospect 
of a speedy and complete victory. The ultimate failure of the 
Americans was attributed to the inexperience of a part of the 
troops, and to embarrassments aiising from a fog which increas- 
ed the darkness of thf night. Congress, however, expressed 
their approbation of Washington's plan of attack, and highly 
applauded the courage and firmness of the troops. 

Section XXXVII. While such was the pro- 
gress of military operations in the middle States, 
important events were taking place in the north. 

It has already been noticed, that in May, 
1775, Ticonderoga and Crown Point had been 
taken by surprise, by Colonels Allen and Ar- 
nold ; that in the ensuing fall. Gen. Montgom- 
ery had reduced the fort of St. John's, captured 
Montreal, and made an ineffectual, though des- 
perate assault upon Quebec. 

On the return of spring, the American army 
gradually retired up the St. Lawrence, and af 
ter a loss of one post and another, in June, 1 776, 
entirely evacuated Canada. 

In the spring of 1 777, it was settled in Eng 
land that an invasion of the States should beat- 
tempted from the north, and a communication 
formed between Canada and New- York. Could 
such a plan have been executed, it would obvi- 
ously have precluded intercourse between New* 
England and the more southern States. 

The execution of the plan was committed to 
Gen. Burgoyne, who left Canada with seven 

16* 



18G PERIOD V...l775,...1783....REVOLUTIOlf. 

thousand troops, besides a powerful train of ar- 
tillery, and several tribes of Indians.* 

Section XXXVIII. On the 1st of July, Bur- 
goyne landed and invested Ticonderoga. The 
American garrison here amounted to three thou- 
sand men, under command of Gen. St. Clair, an 
officer of high standing. 

Deeming this force inadequate to maintain 
the post, especially as Burgoyne had taken pos- 
session of Mount Defiance, which commanded 
Ticonderoga, and not having provisions to sus- 
tain the army for more tlian twenty days, St. 
Clair perceived no safety for the garrison but in 
a precipitate flight. Accordingly, on the night 
of the 5th, Ticonderoga was abandoned. By a 
circuitous march, St. Clair continued to retreat, 
first into Vermont, although closely pursued, 
and thence to Hudson river, where, after having 
lost one hundred and twenty pieces of artillery, 
with a great quantity of military stores, he joined 
Gen. Schuyler, commanding the main army of 
the north. After this junction, the whole army 
continued to retire to Saratoga and Stillwater, 
and at length took post on Van Shaick's Island, 
in the mouth of the Mohawk, on the 18th of Au- 
gust. 

After the taking of Ticonderoga, Gen. Bur- 
goyne, with the great body of his troops, pro- 
ceeded up the lake, and destroyed the American 
flotilla and a considerable quantity of baggage 
and stores, which had been deposited at Skeens- 
borough. Having halted at this place for nearly 



* The number of Indian warriours, employed by the British in the revo 
lutionary war, has been estimated at about twelve thousand. See Mass. 
Ilis. Col. vol. 10. p. 123, where the several tribes are specified, with the num- 
eer of warriours each tribe furnished. 



PERIOD V..„1775 ...1783....REVOLUTION. 187 

three weeks, he proceeded to Fort Edward, on 
the Hudson, where he did not arrive until July 
30th, his way having been obstructed by Schuy- 
ler's army, which felled a great number of trees 
across the road, and demolished the bridges, 
while on their retreat. 

Section XXXI A. While Gen. Burgoyne lay 
at Fort Edward, a detachment of his army of 
five hundred Engli.sh and one hundred Indians, 
under Col. Baum, who had been sent to seize a 
magazine of stores at Bennington, in Vermont, 
was totally defeated, and Col Baum slain, by a 
party of Vermont troops called Green Mountain 
Boys, and some New-Hampshire militia, under 
command of Gen. Stark. 

Baum, on his arrival near Bennington, learning that the 
Americans were strongly entrenched at that place, halted, and 
despatched a messenger to Gen. Burgoyne, for a reinforcement. 

Gen. Stark, now on his march with ^ body of New-Hamp- 
shire militia, to join Gen. Schuyler, receiving intelligence of 
Baum's approach, altered his movement, and collected his force 
at Bennington. 

Before the expected reinforcement could arrive, Gen. Stark, 
having added to his New-Hampshire corps a body of Vermont 
militia, determined to attack Baum in his entrenchments. Ac- 
cordingly, on the l6th of August, an attack was made, which re- 
sulted in the flight of Baum's detachment at the moment in which 
the reinforcement of troops, despatched by Gen. Burgoyne, cirriv- 
ed. With the assistance of these, the battle was now renewed, but 
ended in the discomfiture of the British forces, and with a loss, 
on their part, of about seven hundred in killed and wounded. 
The loss of the Americans was about one hundred. 

Section XL. The battle at Bennington great- 
ly revived the courage of the Americans, and as 
greatly disappointed the hopes of Gen. Burgoyne, 
and served materially to embarrass and retard 
his movemei'ts. 

The situation of Gen. Burgoyne, at this time, 
was seriously perplexing, being greatly i.a want 
of provisions, and the course of wisdom and pru- 



188 PERIOD V...,1776....1783....REV0LUTI0N. 

dence being not a little difficult to determine 
To retreat was to abandon the object of his ex 
pedition ; to advance seemed replete with diffi 
culty and danger. This latter step, however, 
at length appeared the most judicious. 

Accordingly, on the 13th and 14th of Sep- 
tember, he passed the Hudson, and advanced 
upon Saratoga and Stillwater. On the 17th, 
his army came nearly in contact with that of the 
American, now commanded by Gen. Gates, who 
had succeeded Schuyler, August 21 ; some ^kir- 
mishing ensued, without bringing on a general 
battle. 

Two days after, the two armies met, and a 
most obstinate, though indecisive engagement 
ensued, in which the Americans lost, in killed 
and wounded, between three and four hundred, 
and the British about six hundred. 

On the 7th of October, the battle was renew- 
ed, by a movement of Gen. Burgoyne towards 
the left of the Americans, by which he hoped to 
eftect his retreat to the lakes. The battle was 
extremely severe ; and darkness only put an end 
to the effusion of blood. 

During the night which succeeded, an attempt 
was made by the royal army to retreat to Fort 
Edward. — While preparing to march, intelli- 
gence was received that this fort was already in 
possession of the Americans. No avenue to 
escape now appeared open. Worn down with 
constant toil and watching, and having ascer- 
tained that he had but three days' provisions, a 
council of war was called, which unanimously 
resolved to capitulate to Gen. Gates. Prelimi- 
naries were soon after settled, and the army, 
consisting of five thousand seven hundred effect- 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....EBVOLUTION. jgj 

ive men, surrendered prisoners of war on the 
1 7th of October. 

Gen. Gates, immediately after the victory, de- 
spatched Col. Wilkinson, to carry the happy 
tidings to Congress. On being introduced into 
the hall of congress, he said, " The whole Bri- 
tish army has laid down arms at Saratoga : our 
sons, full of vigour and courage, expect your or- 
ders : it is for your wisdom to decide where th(3 
country may still have need of their services." 

Among the romantick incidents of real life, few surpass tli« 
adventures of the Baroness de Reidesel and Lady Harriet Ack- 
land, two ladies who had followed the fortunes of their hus- 
bands, the Baron de Reidesel and Major Ackland, officers in 
the army of Gen. Burgoyne, the latter of whom was wounded 
in the battle of the 9th of October. 

On the 7th of October, says the Baroness de Reidesel, oui 
misfortunes began. I was at breakfast with my husband, and 
heard that something was intended. On the same day I ex- 
pected Generals Burgoyne, Phillips, and Fraser,to dine with us. 
[ saw a great movement among the troops ; my husband told 
me it was merely a reconnoissance, which gave me no concern, 
as it often happened. I walked out of the house, and met 
several Indians in their war dresses, with guns in their hands. 
When I asked where they were going, they cried out, War ! 
War ! meaning that they were going to battle. This filled me 
with apprehension; and I had scarcely got home, before ] 
heard the reports of cannon and musketry, which grew louder 
by degrees, till at last the noise became excessive. 

About four o'clock in the afternoon, instead of the guests 
whom I expected. Gen. Fraser was brought on a litter, 
mortally wounded. The table, which was already set, was 
removed, and a bed placed, in its stead, for the wounded gene- 
ral. I sat trembling in a corner; the noise grew louder, and 
the alarm increased ; the thought that my husband might be 
brought in wounded, in the same manner, was terrible to me, 
and distressed me exceedingly. General Fraser said to the 
surgeon, " Tell me if my toound is mortal, do not flatter me." 
The ball had passed through his body, and, unhappily for the 
general, he had eaten a very hearty breakfast, by which the 
stomach was distended, and the ball, as the surgeon said, had 
passed through it. 

I heard him often exclaim, with a sigh, " Oh fatal AMBI- 



igO PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

TioN ! Poor General Burgoyne ! Oh my poor wipe !'* He 
was asked if he had any request to make, to which he replied : 
" If General Burgoyne would permit it, he should like 

TO BE buried at 6 o'cLOCK IN THE EVENING, ON THE TOP OP 
A MOUNTAIN, IN A REDOUBT, WHICH HAD BEEN BUILT THERE." 

I did not know which way to turn ; all the other rooms were 
full of sick. Towards evening, I saw my husbf.nd coming; 
then I forgot all my sorrows, and thanked God that he was 
spared to me. He and his aid-de-camp ate, in great haste, 
with me, behind the house. We had been told, that we had 
the advantage of the enemy ; but the sorrowful faces I beheld 
told a different tale ; and, before my husband went away, he 
took me one side, and said every thing was going very bad ; 
that I must keep myself in readiness to leave the place, but not 
to mention it to any one. I made the pretence that I would 
move, the next morning, into my new house, and had every 
thing packed up ready. 

Lady H. Ackland had a tent, not far from our house, n 
which she slept, and the rest of the day she was in the camp. 
All of a sudden, a man came to teH her, that her husband wiis 
mortally wounded, and taken prisoner ; on hearing this, sh« 
oecame very miserable ; we comforted her, b}' telling her, that 
the wound was only slight, and, at the same time, advised her 
to go over to her husband, to do which she would certainly ob 
tain permission, and then she could attend him herself. She 
was a charming woman, and very fond of him. 1 spent much 
of the night in comforting her, and then went again to my chil- 
dren, whom I had put to bed. I could not go to sleep, as I had 
General Fraser, and all the other wounded gentlemen, in my 
room ; and I was sadly afraid my children would awake, and 
by their crying, disturb the dying man, in his last moments, 
who often addressed me, and apologized "for the trouble he 
gave me." 

About three o'clock in the morning, I was told that he could not 
hold out much longer ; I had desired to be informed of the near 
approach of this sad crisis, and 1 then wrapped up my children 
in their clothes, and went with them into the room below. — 
About eight o'clock in the morning, he died. After he was 
laid out, and his corpse wrapped up in a sheet, we came again 
into the room, and had this sorrowful sight before us, the whole 
day ; and, to add to the melancholy scene, almost every mo- 
ment, some officer of my acquaintance was brought in wound- 
ed. The cannonade commenced again ; a retreat was spoken 
of, but not the smallest motion was made towards it. About 
four o'clock in the afternoon, I saw the house, which had jusl 
been built for me, in flames, and the enemy was not far off. We 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. I9I 

knew that General Burgcyne would not refuse the last request 
sf General Fraser, though, by his acceding to it, an unneces- 
lary delay was occasioned, by which the inconvenience of the 
irmy was increased. 

At six o'clock, the corpse was brought out, and we saw all 
he generals attend it to the mountain ; the chaplain, Mr. Brude- 
lell, performed the funeral service, rendered unusually solemn 
ind awful, from its being accompanied by constant peals from 
he enemy's artillery. Many cannon balls flew close by me, 
)ut I had my eyes directed towards the mountain, where my 
lusband was standing, amidst the fire of the enemy, and, of 
:ourse, I could not think of my own danger. 

General Gates afterwards said, that if he had known it had 
leen a funeral, he would not have permitted it to be fired on. 

As soon as the funeral service was finished, and the grave of 
Jen. Fraser was closed, an order was issued that the army 
hould retreat. My calash was prepared, but I would not con- 
ent to go before the troops. Major Harnange, although suf- 
ering from his wounds, crept from his bed, as he did not wisii 
remain in the hospital, which was left with a flag of truce, 
Vhen Gen. Reidesel saw me in the midst of danger, he ordered 
[ly women and children to be brought into the calash, and in- 
imated to me to depart, without delay. I still prayed to re- 
gain ; but my husband, knowing my weak side, said, " well 
ben, your children must go, that, at least, they may be safe 
rom danger." I then agreed to enter the calash with them, 
nd we set off at eight o'clock. The retreat was ordered to be 
onducted with the greatest silence. Many fires were lighted, 
nd several tents left standing. We travelled continually du- 
ing the nifht. 

At six o'clock in the morning, we halted, which excited the 
urprise of all. General Burgoyne had the cannon ranged and 
repared for battle. This delay seemed to displease every 
ody ; for, if we could only have made another good march, we 
hould have been in safety. My husband, quite exhausted with 
itigue, came into my calash, and slept for three hours. Du- 
ing that time, Capt. Wilde brought me a bag full of bank 
otes, and Capt. Geisman his elegant watch, a ring, and a 
urse full of money, which they requested me to take care of, 
nd which I promised to 4o to the utmost of my power. We 
gain marched, but had scarcely proceeded an hour before we 
alted, as the enemy was in sight. It proved to be only a 
econnoitering party of two hundred men, who might easily 
ave been made prisoners, if Gen Burgoyne had given proper 
rdcrs on the occasion. 

About evening we arrived at Saratoga ; my dress was wei 



192 PERIOD V....1775....1783,...REV0LUTI0N. 

through and through with rain, and, in that state, I had to re- 
main the whole night, having no place to change it ; I however 
got close to a large fire, and at last lay down on some straw. 
At this moment. General Phillips came up to me, and I asked 
him why we had not continued our retreat, as my husband had 
promised to cover it, and bring the army thrc«gh ? " Poor 
dear woman," said he, " I wonder how, drenched as you are, 
you have still the courage to persevere, and venture further in 
this kind of weather. 1 wish," continued he, " you was our 
commanding general. General Burgoyne is tired, and means 
to halt here to-night, and give us our supper." 

On the moniing of the 9th, at ten o'clock, General Burgoyne 
ordered the retreat to be continued, and caused the handsome 
houses and mills of General Schuyler to be burnt ; we marched 
however but a short distance, and then halted. The greatest 
misery at this time prevailed in the army, and more than thirty 
officers came to me, for whom tea and coffee were prepared, 
and with whom I sliared all my provisions, with which my 
calash was in general well supplied ; for I had a cook who was 
an excellent caterer, and who often, in the night, crossed smaJl 
rivers, and foraged on the inhabitants, bringing in with him 
sheep, small pigs, and poultry, for which he often forgot to pay, 
though he received good pay from me, as long as I had any, 
and he was, ultimately, handsomely rewarded. Our provisions 
now failed us, for want of proper conduct in the commissary's 
department, and I began to despair. 

About two o'clock in the afternoon, we again heard a firing 
of cannon and small arms ; instapt'y all was in alarm, and 
every thing in motion. My husband told me to go to a house 
not far off. I immediately seated myself in my calash, with 
my children, and drove off; but, scarcely had we reached it, 
before I discovered five or six armed men, on the other side of 
the Hudson. Instinctively 1 threw my children down in the 
calash, and concealed myself with them. At that moment the 
fellows fired, and wounded an already wounded English soldier, 
who was behind me. Poor fellow ! I pitied him exceedingly, 
but, at that moment, had no power or moans to relieve him. A 
terrible cannonade was commenced by the enemy, which was 
directed against the house in which I sought to obtain shelter 
for mj'self and children, under the mistaken idea that all the 
generals were in it. Alas ! it contained none but wounded and 
women ; we were at last obliged to resort to the cellar for re- 
fuge, and, in one corner of this, I remained the whole day, my 
children sleeping on the earth, with their heads in my lap ; and 
in the same situation I passed a sleepless night. Eleven cannon 
ba'ls passed through the house, and we could distmctly hear 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....11EVOLUTION. 19$ 

them roll away. One poor soldier, who was lying on a table, 
for the purpose of having his leg amputated, was struck by a 
shot, which carried away his other leg. His comrades had left 
him, and, when we went to his assistance, we found him in a 
corner of the room, into which he had crept, more dead than 
alive, scarcely breathing. My reflections on the danger to 
which my husband was exposed now agonized rae exceedingly, 
and the thoughts of my children, and the necessity of struggling 
for their preservation alone sustained rae. 

I now occupied myself through the day in attending to the 
wounded ; I made them tea and coffee, and often shared my 
dinner with them, for which they offered me a thousand expres- 
sions of gratitude. One day a Canadian officer came to our 
cellar, who had hardly the power of holding .himself upright, 
and we concluded he was dying for want of nourishment. I 
was happy in offering him my dinner, which strengthened him, 
and procured rae his friendship. I now undertook the care of 
Major Bloomfield, another aid-de-camp of Gen. Phillips, who 
had received a musket ball through both cheeks, which in its 
course, had knocked out several of his teeth, and cut his tongue. 
He could hold nothing in his mouth ; the matter which ran 
from his wound almost choked him, and he was not able to 
take any nourishment, except a little soup or something liquid. 
We had some.Khenish wine; and, in the hope that the acidity 
of it would cleanse the wound, I gave him a bottle of it ; he 
took a little now and then, and with such effect, that his cure 
soon followed ; and thus I added another to my stock of friends, 
and derived a satisfaction, which, in the midst of sufferings, 
served to tranquillize me, and diminish their acuteness. 

One day, General Phillips accompanied my husband, at the 
risk of their lives, on a visit to us, who, after having witnessed 
our situation, said to him, " I would not, for ten thousand 
guineas, come again to this place, my heart is almost broken." 

In this horrid situation we remained six days. A cessation 
of hostilities was now spoken of, and eventually took place ; a 
convention was afterwards agreed upon ; but one day a message 
was sent to ray husband, who had visited me, and was reposing 
in my bed, to attend a council of war, where it was proposed to 
break the convention, but, to my great joy, the majority were 
for adhering to it. On the l6th, however, my husband had to 
repair to his post, and I to my cellar. This day fresh beef was 
served out to the officers, who, until now, had only had salt 
provisions, which was very bad for their wounds. 

On the 17th of October, the convention was completed 
General Burgoyne and the other generals waited or Genera 
Gates, the American commander. The troops laid oown tiieir 

17 



194 f ERIOD V....J775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

anus, and gave themselves up prisoners of war, and now, tke 
good woman, who had supplied us with water, at the hazard of 
her life, received the reward of her services ; each of us threw 
a handful of money into lier apron, and she got altogether about 
twenty guineas. At such a moment as this, how susceptible is 
the heart of feelings of gratitude ! 

My husband sent a message to me, to come over to him with 
my children. I seated myself, once more, in my dear calash, 
and then rode through the American camp. As I passed on, I 
observed (and this was a great consolation to me) that no one 
eyed me with looks of resentment, but that they all greeted us, 
and even showed compassion in their countenances, at the sight 
of a woman with small children. I was, I confess, afraid to go 
over to the enemy, as it was quite a new situation to me. When 
J drew near the tents, a handsome man approached and met 
me, took my children from the calash, and hugged and kissed 
them, which affected me almost to tears. " You tremble," 
said he, addressing himself to me, " be not afraid." " No," I 
answered, " j^ou seem so kind and tender to my children, it in- 
spires me with courage.'' He now led me to the tent of Gen. 
Gates, where I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who 
were on a friendly footing with the former. Burgoyne said to 
me, " Never mind, your sorrows have now an end." I an- 
swered him that I should be reprehensible to have any cares, as 
he had none, and I was pleased to see him on such a friendly 
footing with General Gates. All the generals remained to dine 
with General Gates. 

The same gentleman, who received me so kindly, now came 
and siiid to me, " You will be very much embarrassed to eat 
with all these gentlemen ; Co?ne witfi your children to my tent; 
there I will prepare for you afj'ttgal dinner, and give it with 
a free will." I said, " You are certainly a husband and 
A FATHER, you hove shown me so much kindness. I now 
found that he was General Schuyler. He treated me with 
excellent smoked tongue, beef steaks, potatoes, and good bread 
»nd butter. Never could I have wished to eat a better dinner. 
J was content. I saw all around me were so likewise ; and, 
what was better than all, my husband was out of danger. 

When we had dined, he told me his residence was at Albany, 
and that General Burgoyne intended to honour him as his guest, 
and invited myself and children to do likewise. I asked my 
husband how I should act ; he told me to accept the invitation. 
As it was two days' journey there, he advised me to go to a 
"'»lace, which was about three hours' ride distant. Gen. Schuy- 
ler nad the politeness to send with me a French officer, a very 
a^eeable man, who commanded the reconnoitering party of 



PERIOD V....l775....1783,...REVOLUTION. I95 

which I have before spoken ; and when he had escorted n« to 
J Ae house, where I was to remain, he turned back again. In 
(he house I found a French surgeon, who had under his care a 
Brunswick officer, who was mortalJy wounded, and died some 
(lays afterwards. 

The Frencliman boasted much of the care he took of his pa- 
tient, and perhaps was skilful enough as a surgeon, but other- 
,v'ise was a mere simpleton. He was rejoiced when he found I 
could speak his language, and he began to address many empty 
and impertinent speeches to me ; he said, among other things, 
ji lie could not believe that I was a general's wife, as he was cer- 
tain a woman of such rank would not follow her husband. He 
\ xV^ished me to remain with him, as he said it was better to be 
! with the conquerers than the conquered. I was shocked at his 
impudence, bul dared not show the contempt I felt for him, be- 
cause it would deprive me of a place of safety. Towards eve- 
ning he bejrged me to take a part of his chamber. 1 told him 
I was determined to remain in the room with the wounded offi- 
cers ; wliereupon he attempted to pay me some stupid compli- 
ments. Af this moment the door opened, and my kushand with 
his aid-de-camp entered. I then said, " Here, Sir, is my hus- 
band ;" and at the same time ej^ed him with scorn, whereupon 
he retired abashed, nevertheless, he was so polite as to offer his 
chamber to us. 

Some days after this we arrived at Albany, where we so ofl!en 
wished ourselves, but we did not enter it as we expected we 
should, victors ! We were received hy the eood General 
Schuyler^ his wife, and daughterSf not us enemic but kind 
friends ; and they treated us with the most marked attentioa 
and politeness, as they did General Hurgoyne. who haa caused 
General Schuyler's beautifully finished house tc* be burnt. In 
fact, they behaved like persons of exalted minds, who deter- 
mined to bury all recollection of their own injuries, in the con- 
templation of our misfortunes. General Burgoyn*- was struck 
with General Schuyler's generosity, and said to him, " You 
show me great kindness, although I have done you much in- 
jury." " Thai loan the fate of war/' replied the brave man, 
" let ns say no more about it.'''* 

The fortunes of Lady Harriet Ackland were not less interest- 
ing than those of the Baroness de Reidesel, just recited. This 
lady, says General Burgoyne in his " State of the Expedition 
from Canada," had accompanied her husband to CanadA^ io 



Wilkinson's Memoirs, from the Memoirs of the Saronets de BekMfL 



,9G PERIOD V....1775....1783.. REVOLUTION. 

the beginning of the year 177^' In the course of that cam- 
paign, she traversed a vast space of country, in different ex 
treniities of tlie season, and with difficulties, of which an Euro 
pean traveller cannot easily conceive. 

In the opening of the campaign, in 1777, she was restrained 
from offering herself to a share of the fatigue and hazard ex- 
pected before Ticonderoga, by the positive injunctions of Ijer 
husband. The day after the conquest of the place he was bad- 
ly wounded, and she crossed Lake Chaniplain to join him. 

As soon as he recovered, Lady Harriet proceeded to foIl<<iv 
ius fortunes through the campaign ; and at Fort Edward, or at 
the next camp, she acquired a two wheel tumbril, which had 
been constructed by the artificers of the artillery, something 
similar to the carriage used for the mail, upon the great roads 
in England. Major Ackland commanded the British grenadiers, 
which were attached to Gen. Eraser's corps; and consequently 
were alw'ays the most advanced part of the army. They were 
often so much on the alert, that no person slept «)ut of his clothes. 
One of their teinporary encampments, a lent in which the ma- 
jor and Lady Harriet were asleep, suddenly took fire. An or- 
derly sergeant of grenadiers, with great hazard of suffocation, 
dragged out the first person he caught hold of. It proved to be 
the major. It happened that, in tlie same instant, she had, un- 
knowing what she did, and perhaps not perfectly awaked, pro- 
videntially made her escape, by creeping under the walls of the 
lent The first object she saw, upon the recovery of iier sens- 
es, tvas the major on the other side, and in ♦'^" s;;me instant, 
again m the iire in search of her. The seijeant ag'in saved 
hinj, but not without the major's being very scv-.. iv bumt in 
b i? face, and different parts of his b<jdy. Every thing they had 
with them m the tent was consumed. 

This accident happened a little time before the army crossed 
the Hudson, 13th Sept. It neither altered the resolution or 
cheerfulness of Lady Harriet ; and she continued her progress, 
a partaker of the fatigues of the advanced corps. The next call 
sipon her fortitude was of a different nature, and more distress 
ing, as of longer suspense. On the morning of the 19th of Sept. 
the grenadiers being liable to action at every step, she had bten 
directed by the major to follow the route of the artillery anA 
baggage, which w ere not exposed. At the time the acOon be 
gan, she found herself near an uninhabited hut, where she alight 
ed. When it was found the action was becoming general, the 
surgeon of the hospital took possession of the same place, as 
the most convenient for the first care of the wounded. Thus 
was this lady in the hearing of one continued fire of cannon and 
musketry for four hours together with the presumption; from 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 



197 



die post of her husband, at the head of the grenadiers, that he 
was in the most exposed part of the action. She had three fe- 
male companions, the Baroness of Reidesel, and the wives of 
two British officers, Major Hanage and Lieutenant Reynell ; 
but, in the event, their presence served but little for com*brtr 
Major Hanage was soon brought to the surgeon very badly 
wounded ; and a little time after, came intelligence that Lieut. 
Reynell was shot dead. Imagination will want no help to 
figure the state of the whole group. 

From the date of that action to the 7th of October, Lady 
Harriet, with her usual serenity, stood prepared for new trials ; 
and it was her lot that their severity increased with their num- 
ber. She was again exposed to the hearing of the whole action, 
and, at last, received the word of her individual misfortune, 
mixed with the intelligence of the general calamity ; the troops 
were defeated, and JMajor Ackland, desperately wounded, was 
a prisoner. 

The day of the 8th was passed by Lady Harriet aad her 
companions in uncommon anxiety ; not a tent nor a shed being 
standing, except what belonged to the hospital, their refuge was 
among the wounded and the dying. 

" When the army was upon the point of moving, I received 
a message from Lady Harriet, submitting to my decision a propo- 
sal, and expressing an earnest solicitude to execute it, if not in- 
terfering with my design, of passing to the camp of the enemy, 
and requesting Gen. Gates' permission to attend her husband. 

" Though I was ready to believe, for I had experienced, that 
patience and fortitude in a supreme degree, were to be found, as 
well as every other virtue, under the most tender forms, I was 
astonished at the proposal. After so long an agitation, exhaust- 
ed not only for want of rest, but absolut»^ly want of food, drench* 
ed in rain for twelve hours together, that a woman should be ca- 
pable of such an undertaking, as delivering herself to the enemy, 
probably in the night, and uncertain of what hands she might 
first fall into, appeared an efibrt above human nature. The as- 
surance I was enabled to give was small indeed. I had not even 
a cup of wine to offer ; but I was told she found from some 
kind and fortunate hand, a little rum and dirty water. All I 
could furnish to her was an open boat, and a few lines, written 
upon dirty and wet paper, to General Gates, recommending her 
to his protection." 

This letter was as follows: 
Sir, — Lady Harriet Ackland, a lady of the first distinction 
by family, lank, and personal virtues, is under such concern on 
account of Major Ackland, her husband, wounded and aprrson- 

17* 



19» PERIOD V....1775,...1783...JIEV0LUTI0N. 

er in your hands, that I cannot refuse her request to commit 
her to your protection. 

Whatever general impropriety there raay be in persons, act* 
ing in your situation and mine, to solicit favours, I cannot see 
the uncommon pre-eminence in every female grace and exalta 
tion ©f character in this lady, and her very hard fortune, whh 
out testifying that your attentions to her will lay me under obli- 
gations. 

Ort 1777 ^ ^"' ^^'■» 

»* '^' A 1 ' Your obedient servant, 

^' ^' G«'^*- J. BURGOVNE. 

I 

With this letter did this woman, who was of the most tender 
and delicate frame, habituated to all the soft elegancies and re- 
fined enjoyments, that attend high birth and fortune, and far ad- 
vanced in a state in which the tenderest cares, always due to the 
sex, become indispensably necessary, in an open boat leave die 
camp of Burgoyne with a flag of truce for that of the enemy. 
The night was advanced before the boat reached the shore. 
Lady Harriet was immediately conveyed into the apartment of 
Major Henry Deai'born, since Major General, who commanded 
the guard at that place, and every attention was paid her which 
her rank and situation demanded, and which circumstances per- 
mitted. Early in the morning, she was permitted to proceed 
in the boat to the camp, where Gen. Gates, whose gallantry 
will not be denied, stood ready to receive her, with due respect 
and courtosy. Having ascertained that Major Ackland had set 
out for Albany, Lady Harriet proceeded, by permission, tojoin 
him. Some time after. Major Ackland effected his exchange, 
and returned to England. The catastrophe ot this tale is affect- 
ing. Ackland, after his return to England, procured a regi- 
ment, and at a dinner of military men, where the courage of the 
Americans was made a question, took the negative side with his 
usual decision. He was opposed, warmth ensued, and he gave 
the lie direct to a Lieutenant Lloyd, fought him, and was shot 
through the head. Lady Harriet lost her senses, and continued 
deranged two years ; after which she married Mr. Bruden >11, 
who accompanied her from Gen. Burgoyne's camp, when she 
sought her wounded husband on Hudson river. 

Section XLI. It would be difficult to describe 
the transports of joy which the news of the sur- 
render of Burgoyne excited among the Ameri- 
cans. They now began to look forward to the 
future with sanguine hopes, and eagerly expect- 



1 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOHJTION. jQp 

ed the acknowledgment of their country's inde- 
pendence by France and other European powers. 
The capitulation of Gen. Burgoyne, at Saratoga, 
was soon followed by an acknowledgment of the 
independence of America at the court of France,* 
and the conclusion of a formal treaty of alliance 
and commerce between the two countries — an 
event highly auspicious to the interests of Ame- 
rica. The treaty was signed Feb. 6th — " nei- 
ther of the contracting powers to make war or 
peoce, without the formal consent of the other." 

For more than a year, commissioners from congress, at the 
head ot whom was Dr. FrankHn, had resided at the court of 
France, urging the above important steps. But the success of 
the American struggle was yet too doubtful tor that country to 
embroil herself in a war with Great Britain. The capture ot 
the British army at Saratoga seemed to increase the probability 
that the American arms would finally triumph, and decided 
France to espouse her cause. 

Section XLII. Upon the conclusion of the 
campaign of 1777, the British army retired to 
winter quarters in Philadelphia, and the Ameri- 
can army at Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill, fif- 
teen miles from Philadelphia. 

Scarcely were the American troops established in their en- 
campment, which consisted of huts, before they were in danger 
of a famine. The adjacent country was nearly exhausted, and 
that which it might have span d, the inhabitants concealed in the 
woods. At this time, also, bills of credit had fallen to one tburtk 
or their nominal value, so that orie hundred dollars, in paper, 
would command no more than tventy-five dollars, in specie. 
In addition to these scenes of perplexity and suffering, the army 
was nearly destitute of comfortabl j clothing. Many, for want 
of shoes, walked barefoot on the frozen ground: ievf, if any, 
had blankets for the night. Great numbers sickened. Near 
three thousand at a time were inciipable of bearing arms. 



* Holland acknowledged the independence of the United States in 1782 ,■ 
Sweden in FebrusH-y, 1 783 ; Denmark in the same month ; Spain in Mar<^ ; 
Russia in July. 



200 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

While the defenders of the country were thus suffering and pe 
fishing, the royal army was enjoying all the conveniences which 
an opulent city afforded. 

Section XLlll. On the alliance of America 
with France, it was resolved in Great Britain 
immediately to evacuate Philadelphia, and to 
concentrate the royal force in the city of New- 
York. In pursuance of this resolution, the royal 
army, on the 18th of June, passed the Delaware 
into New- Jersey, and continued their retreat to 
New- York. 

General Washington, penetrating their design, had already 
sent forward a detachment to aid the New-Jersey militia, in im- 
peding the progress of the enemy. With the main body of his 
army, he now crossed the Delaware in pursuit. June 28th, the 
two armies were engaged at Monmouth, sixty-four miles from 
Philadelphia, and after a severe contest, in which the Americans, 
Upon the whole, obtained the advantage, v.'ere separated only by 
night. Gen. Washington and his army reposed on the field of 
battle, intending to renew the attack in the morning. But the 
British general, during the night, made good his retreat towards 
New-York. 

The sufferings of both armies during this engagement, from 
the heat of the day, were unparalleled in the history of the re- 
volutionary war. No less than fifty-nine British soldiers pe- 
rished from heat, and several of the Americans died through the 
same cause. The tongues of many of the soldiers were so swol- 
len, that it was impossible to retain them in the mouth. The 
Joss of the Americans was eight officers, and sixty-one privates 
killed, and about one hundred and sixty wounded ; that of the 
British, in killed, wounded, and missing, was three hundred and 
fifty-eight men, including officers. One hundred were taken 
prisoners, and one thousand deserted during the march. 

Section XLIV. On the 1st of July, Count 
D'Estaing arrived at Newport, R. I. from France, 
with twelve ships of the line and six frigates, to 
act in concert with the Americans in an attempt 
on Rhode-Island, which had been in possession 
of the British since December, 1776. 

Hearing of this expedition, Admiral Howe followed D'Es 
taing, and arrived in sight of Rhode-Island -the day after thk 
French lk'?t had entered the harbour of Newport. On the ap 



PERIOD v.. 1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 201 

pearance of Howe, the French admiral, instead of co-operating 
with the Americans, sailed out to give him battle. A storra, 
however, arising, separated the fleets. D'Estaing entered Bos- 
ton to repair. Howe, after the storm, returned to Rhode-Island, 
and landed Sir Henry Clinton, with four thousand troops — but, 
fortunately, the Americans had raised the siege of Newport the 
day before, and left the island. — Sir Henry Clinton soon after 
sailed again for New- York. 

Section XLV. Hitherto the conquest of tho 
States had been attempted, by proceeding from 
north to south ; but that order, towards the close 
of this year, began to be inverted, and the south- 
ern States became the principal theatre on 
which the British conducted their offensive 
operations. 

Georsfia. being one of the weakest of the 
Southern States, was marked out as the first ob- 
ject of attack, in that quarter of the un'on. 

In November, Col. Campbell was despatched 
from New-York by Gov. Clinton, with a force of 
two thousand men, against Savannah, the capi- 
tal of that State. This expedition proved suc- 
cessful, and Savannah, and with it the State of 
Georgia itself, fell into the power of the Eng- 
lish. 

On the arrival of Campbell and his troops at Savannah, he 
was opposed by Gen. Howe, the American officer, to whom 
was intrusted the defence of Georgia. His force, consisting of 
only 600 continentals, and a few hundred militia, was inade- 
quate, however, to resist the enemy. After an engagement, in 
which the Americans killed upwards of one hundred, and took 
about four hundred and fifty prisoners, with several cannon, and 
'urge quantities of military stores, the capital surrendered. 

In the succeeding year, 1779, Count D'Estaing, who, after 
repairing his fleet at Boston, had sailed for the West Indies, 
returned with a design to co-operate with the Americans against 
the common enemy. In Sept. he arrived upon the coast of 
Georgia so unexpectedly that the Experiment, a man of war of 
fifty guns, and three frigates, fell into his hands. As soon as his 
arrival was known. Gen. Lincoln marched with the army under 
bis Command) and some militia of South Carolina and Georgia, 



202 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTIOIr. 

to co-operate with him in the reduction of Savannah. Before 
Lincoln arrived, D'Estaing demanded the surrender of the town. 
This demand, General Prevost, the English commander, re. 
quested a day to consider, which was incautiously granted. 
Before the day expired, a reinforcement of eight hundred men 
joined the standard of Prevost from Beaufort, whereujjon he bid 
defiance t« D'Estaing. On the arrival of Lincoln, it was de- 
tei mined to lay siege to the place. Much time was spent in 
preparation, but in an assault under D^Estaing and Lincoln, the 
-Americans suflfered so severely, both as to their numbers, and 
in their works, that it was deemed expedient to abandon the 
project. Count D'Estaing re-embarked his troops, and left the 
continent. 

While the siege of Savannah was pending, one of the most 
extraordinary enterprises ever reLated in history, one, indeed, 
which nothing, but the respectability of ihe testimony, could 
have prevented our considering as marvellous, occurred. It 
wai;- an enterprise conceived and executed by Colonel John 
White of the Georgia line. A Captain P'rench, of Delancey's 
first battalion, was j)osted with one hundred men, British regu- 
lars, on the Ogecchee rivi-r, about twenty-five miles from Savan- 
nah. Tliere lay also at the same place five armed vessels, the 
largest mounting fourteen guns, and having on board altogether 
forty-one men. Cot. White, with Captain Etholw?, three sol 
diers, and his own servant, approached this post, on thp even- 
ing of the 30th of September, kindled a number of fires, ar- 
ranging them in the manner of a large camp, and summoned 
French to surrender, he and his comrades in the mean time 
riding about in various directions, and giving orders in a loud 
voice, as if performine the duties of the staff, to a large arrny. 
French, not doubting the reality of what he saw, and anxious 
to spare the efiusion of blood, which a contest with a force so 
superior would produce, surrendered the whole detachment, to- 
gether with the crews of the five vessels, amounting in all to one 
hundred and forty-one men, and one hundred and thirty stands 
of arms ! 

Col White had still, however^ a very difficult game to play ; 
it was necessary to keep up the delusion of Capt. French, until 
the prisoners should be secured ; and with this view, he pre- 
tended that the animosity of his troops was so ungovernable, 
that a little stratagem would be necessary to save the prisoners 
from their fury, and that he should therefore commit them to 
the care of three guides, with orders to conduct them to a place 
of safety. With many thanks for the colonel's humanity, 
French accepted the proposition, and marched off at a quick 
pace, under the direction of three guides, fearful, at ever)' step, 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 203 

fliat the rage of White's troops would burst upon them in de- 
fiance of his humane attempts to restrain them. White, as soon 
as they were out of sight, employed himself in collecting the 
militia of the neighbourhood, with whom he overtook his prison- 
ers, and they were conducted in safety for twenty-five miles, to 
ui American fort.* 

Section XLVI. The campaign of 1779 was 
listinguished for nothing splendid, or decisive, 
on the part either of America or England. 

The British seemed to have aimed at little 
more than to distress, plunder, and consume, it 
having been, early in the year, adopted as a prin- 
ciple upon which to proceed, " to render the co- 
lonies of as little avail as possible to their new 
connections." 

Actuated by these motives, an expedition was 
fitted out from New-York for Virginia, which, 
in a predatory incursion, took possession of large 
naval stores, magazines of provisions, and great 
quantities of tobacco. After enriching them- 
selves with various kinds of booty, and burning 
several places, they returned to Now-York. 

Soon after this expedition to Virginia, a simi- 
lar one, under the command of the infamous 
Gov. Tryon, was projected against the maritime 
parts of Connecticut. During this expedition, 
New-Haven was plundered ; East-Haven, Fair- 
field, Norwalk, and Green's Farms, were wan- 
tonly burnt. 

In an account of the devastations made by the English in this 
expedition, which was transmitted to Congress, it appeared that 
at Fairfield there were burnt two houses of publick worship, fil- 
teen dwelling houses, eleven barns, and several stores. At Nor- 
walk, two houses of publick worship, eighty dwelling houses, 
sixty-seven barns, twenty-two stores, seventeen shops, four mills 
and five vessels. In addition to this wanton destruction of pro- 



Allev's Revolutiou 



204 PERIOD V....17?5....1783....REV0LUTI0N. 

perty, various were the acts of brutality, rapine, and cruelly, 
committed on aged persons, women, and prisoners. At New ■ 
Haven, an aged citizen, wlio laboured under a natural inability 
of speech, had his tongue cut out by one of the royal army. At 
Fairfield the deserted houses of the inhabitants were entered, 
desks, trunks, closets, and chests, were broken open and robbed 
of every thing valuable. Women were insulted, abuseu, and 
threatened, while their apparel was taken from them. Even an 
Infant was robbed of its clothes, while a bayonet was pointed at 
the breast of its mother. 

About this time General Putnam, who had been stationed with 
a respectable force at Reading, in Connecticut, then on a visit to 
his out-post, at Horse Neck, was attacked by Governour Tryon, 
with one thousand five hundred men. Putnam had only a picket 
of one hundred and fifty men, and two field pieces, without 
horses or drag-ropes. He however placed his cannon on the 
high gi-ound, near the meeting house, and continued to pour in 
upon the advancing foe, until the enemy's horse appeared upon 
a charge. The general now hastily ordered his men to retreat 
to a neighbouring swamp, inaccessible to horse, while he him- 
self put spurs to his steed, and plunged down the precipice at the 
church. 

This is so steep, as to have artificial stairs, composed of nearly 
one hundred stone steps, foi the accommodation of worshippers 
ascending to the sanctuary. On the arrival of the dragoons at 
the brow of the hill, they p lused, thinking it too dangerous to 
follow the steps of the adventurous hero. Before any could go 
iKiund the hill and descend, Putnam had escaped, uninjured by 
the many balls which were fired at him in his descent ; but one 
touched him, and that onlj- passed through his hat. He pro- 
ceeded to Stamford, where, having strengthened his picket with 
some militia, he boldly faced about and pursued Gov. Tryon on 
his return.* 

While the British were proceeding in these dest lating opera- 
tions. Gen. Washington was loudly called upon by the suffering 
inhabitants, for continental troops to resist them ; but his cir- 
cumstances permitted him to spare but few. Had he listened 
to their calls, and divided his army conformably to the wishes 
of the invaded citizens, he would have exposed his whole force 
to ruin. Choosing rather to '->ear the reproaches which were by 
some heaped upon him, than to ha/.ard the loss of every thing, 
he kept his army concentrated on both sides of the North River, 
at some distance from New York, to prevent, if possible, the 



♦ Eamsay. 




Surrender of the Dutch, p. 44. 




Punishment of Witchcraft, p. 77. 



PERIOD V...1776....1783....IIEVOLUTION. 205 

British from possessing themselves of West Point, sixty miles 
north of New- York, a post which they eagerly coveted, and the 
possession of which would have given them incalculable advan* 
tage over that part of the country. 

Section XLVII. The exertions of the Ameri- 
cans, during tliis campaign, were still more fee- 
ble than those of the enemy. Scarcely an ex- 
pedition was planned which merits any notice, 
and, with the exception of the reduction of 
Stoney Pomt, forty miles north of New-York, 
on the Hudson, scarcely any thing was accom- 
plished of importance. The reduction of this 
place July 15th, was one of the most bold enter- 
prises which occurred in the history of the war. 

At this time, Stoaey Point was in the condition of a real for- 
tress ; it was furnished with a select garrison of more than su 
hundred men, and had stores in abundance, and defensive pre- 
parations which were formidable. 

Fortified as it was, Gen. Washington ventured an attempt to 
f'duce it. The enterprise was committed to Gen. Wayne, who, 
with a strong detachment of active infantry, set out towards the 
plaice, at noon. His marcii of fourteen miles, over high moun- 
tains, through deep morasses, and difficult defiles, was accom- 
plished by eight o'clock in the evening. 

At the distance of a mile from the Point, Gfen. Wayne halted, 
and formed his men into two columns, putting himself at the 
head of the right. Both columns were directed to march in order 
4nd silence, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. AX 
midnight they arrived under the walls of the fort. " An unex- 
pected obstacle now presented itself: the deep morass, which 
covered the works, was at this time, overflowed by the tide. 
The English opened » tremendous fire of musketry and of can- 
non loaded with grape shot : but neither the inundated morass, 
nor a double palisade, nor the storm of fire that was poured 
upon them, could arrest the impetuosity of the Americans; 
they opened their way with the bayonet, prostrated whatever 
opposed them, scaled the fort, and the two columns met m the 
centre of the works. The English lost upwaias of six hundred 
men in killed and prisoners. The conquerors abstained from 
pillage, and from all disorder; a conduct the more worthy, as 
they had still present in mind, the ravages and butcheries, 
which their enemies had so recently committed in Virginia anfl 

18 



206 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

Connecticut. Humanity impai'ted new effulgence to the victory 
which valour had obtained."* 

Section XLVIII. Another expedition, plan- 
ned and executed this year, entitled to some 
notice, was one under Gen. Sullivan, against 
the Six Nations, which, with the exception of 
the Oneidas, had been induced, by the English, 
to take up arms against America. 

At the head of between four and five thousand 
men, Gen. Sullivan marched into the country, 
up the Susquehannah, and attacked the Indians, 
in well constructed fortifications. The resist- 
ance of the savages was warlike. Being over 
powered, however, they were obliged to flee. 
Gen. Sullivan, according to his instructions, 
proceeded to lay waste their country. Forty 
villages were consumed, and one hundred and 
sixty thousand bushels of corn were destroyed. 

Section XLIX. It has already been stated, 
that the campaign of 1 779 was remarkable for 
the feeble exertions of the Americans. Among 
the causes which contributed to lessen their ac- 
tivity, the failure of the French fleet, m every 
scheme undertaken for their benefit, was no in- 
considerable one. America had expected mu«h 
from an alliance with France, and looked to the 
French fleet under D'Estaing, to hasten the 
downfall of British power in the country. But 
when they perceived nothing equal to their ex- 
pectation accomplished, they became despond- 
ent, and exertion was enfeebled. 

But another, and a still more powerful cause 
of these feeble exertions, on the part of the 
Americans, was the daily depreciation of their 
bills of credit. 

* Botta, 



PERIOD V....1775....3783....REVOLUTION. 207 

As the contest between England and America originated in 
the subject of taxation, it was early perceived, by the continent- 
al congress, that the imposition of taxes, adequate to the exigen- 
cies of war, even if practicable, would be impolitick. The only 
expedient, therefore, in their power to adopt, was the emission 
of bills of credit, representing specie, under a publick engage- 
ment, ultimately to redeem those bills, by an exchange of gold 
or silver. 

Accordingly, in June, 1775, on the resolution to raise an 
array, congress issued bills of credit, to the amount of two mil- 
lions of dollars. This emission was followed, the next month, 
by the issue of another million. For their redemption, the con- 
federated colonies were pledged — each colony to provide means 
to pay its proportion, by the year 1779. 

in the early periods of the war, the enthusiasm of the people 
for liberty made them comparatively indifferent to property. 
The cause was popular, and the publick credit good. Bills of 
credit, therefore, by common consent, rapidly circulated, and 
calculations about private interest were, in a great measure, 
suspended. 

It was obvious, however, that there was a point, beyond 
which the credit of these bills would not extend. At the expi- 
ration of eighteen months from their first emission, when abHut 
twenty millions had been issued, they began to depreciate. At 
first, the diminution of their value was scarcely perceptible, but 
from that time it daily increased. 

Desirous of arresting the growing depreciation, congress at 
length resorted to loans and taxes. But loans were difficult to 
negociate, and taxes, in several of the States, could not be col- 
lected. Pressed with the necessities of an army, congress 
found themselves obliged to continue to issue bills, after they 
had begun to depreciate, and to pay that depreciation, by in- 
creasing the stmis emitted. By the year 1 780, the amount in 
circulation was the overwhelming sum of two hundred millions. 

The progress of this depreciation is worthy of notice. — To- 
wards the close of 1777, the depreciation was two or three for 
one; in '78, five or six for one; in '79, twenty-seven or twenty- 
eight for one ; in '80, fifty or sixty for one, in the first four or 
five months. From this date, the circulation of these oills was 
limited, but where they passed, they soon depreciated to one 
hundred and fifty for one, and finally, several hundreds for one. 

Several causes contributed to sink the value of the continental 
currency. The excess of its quantity at first begat a natural 
depreciation. This was increased by the enemy, who counter 
feited the bills, and spread theii forgeries through the States. 
Publick agents, who received a commission to the amount of 



208 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

their purchases, U\t it to be their interest to give a high price 
for all commodities. These causes, co-operating with the de- 
cline of pub'ick confidence, and the return of more selfish feel- 
ings, rapidly increased the depreciation, until bills of credit, or 
^yhat has been commonly called, " continental currency," be- 
came of little or no value. 

The evils which resulted from this system were immense. 
Under it, it became extremely difficult to raise an army, and to 
provide necessaries for its subsistence. At the same time, it 
originated discontents among the officers and soldiers, since 
tdieir pay, in this depreciated currency, was inadequate to the 
support of iheir families at home. " Four months pay, of a pri- 
vate, would not procure his family a single bushel of wheat, and 
the pay of a colonel would not purchase oats for his horse." 
Under circumstances like these, it reflects the highest honour 
upon Wasliington, that his wisdom and prudence should have 
been able lo keep an army together. 

In addition to these evils, which fell so heavily upon the 
army, otheis, not less deplorable, fell upon the community. In 
order to prevent the gi-owing depreciation of their bills, con- 
gress directed that they should be a legal tender. But this, 
while it did not much retard the regular diminution of their 
value, was the source of immeasurable injustice and distress. 

The aged, who had retired to enjoy the fruits of their indus- 
try, found their substance but a scanty pirtance. The widow 
was compelled to take u shilling, where a pound was her due, 
and the orphan was obliged to discharge an executor on the 
payment of sixpence on the pound. In many instances, the 
earnings of a long life were, in a few years, reduced to a triffing 
sum. 

Had congress foreseen these evils, they would have guarded 
against them. But it was a day of poverty ami experiment. 
They designed no injustice. They had placed before them the 
freedom of the country from the yoke of British dominion, and 
if, in their zeal to effect it, they sometimes erred, the sufierings 
which resulted from their ignorance have been a thousand times 
Compensated, by the subsequent enjoyments of a free and inde- 
pendent people. 

Section L. Towards the close of the year 
1779, Sir Henry Clinton, committing the Eng- 
lish garrison of New- York to Gen. Kniphausen, 
embarked with a force of between seven and 
eight thousand men» for the reduction of Charles- 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 209 

ton, South Carolina, which important object he 
accomplished on the 12th of May. 1780. 

Alter a tempestuous voj'age of some weeks, in which severa* 
transports were lost, the army arrived at Savauriah, whence 
they sailed on their destined purpose. On the 2d of April, 
1780, Gen. Clinton opened his batteries against Charleston. 
Gen. Lincoln, at this time, commanded the American forces of 
the south. Urged by the inhabitants, on the approach tif the 
enemy, to continue in Charleston, and assist in rep* lling the 
attack, he consented to remain, and, with Gov. Rutledge, in- 
dustriously forwarded preparations for defence. 

Notwithstanding these preparations, the batteries of the ene- 
my soon obtamed a decided superiority over those of the town, 
and left but little reason to the besieged to hope that they should 
be able to defend the place. A council of war, held on the 2 1st, 
agreed that a retreat would probably be impracticable, and ad- 
vised that offers of capitulation should be made to Gen. Clinton, 
which might admit of the army's withdrawing, and afford secu- 
rity to the persons and property of the inhabitants. 

On the proposal of these terms, they were rejected. Hostili- 
ties were now renewed by the garrison, and returned with unu- 
sual ardour by the British. (5n the 11th of May, finding the 
longer defence of the place impracticable, a number of citizens 
addressed Gen. Lincoln, advising him to capitulate. Acquies- 
cing in the measure, painful as it was, Gen. Lincoln again pre- 
sented terms of capitulation, which being accepted, the Ameri- 
can army, amounting to 5000, together with the inhabitants of 
the place, and four hundred pieces of artillery, were surrendered 
to the British. 

The loss on both sides, during the siege, was neai ly equal. Of 
the royal troops, seventy-six were killed, and one hundred and 
eighty-nine wounded. Of the Americans, eighty-nine were kill- 
ed, and one hundred and forty wounded. By the articles of ca- 
pitulation, the garrison was to march out of town, and to deposit 
their arms in front of the works, but, as a mark of humiliation, 
which, eighteen months afterwards, was remembered and re- 
taliated on Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, the drums were not 
to beat a British march, nor the colours to be uncased. 

Section LI. Shortly after the surrender of 
Charleston, Sir Henry Clinton, leaving four 
thousand men for the southern service, under 
Lord Cornwallis, returned to New- York. Bri- 
tish garrisons were now posted in different parts 
of the State of South Carolina, to awe the in- 

18* 



210 PERIOD V....i775....l7S3....UEVOLi;TiON^ 

habitants, and to secure their submission to the 
British government. 

The spirit of freedom, however, still remained 
with the people, nor was it easy to subdue that 
fspirit, how much soever it might be temporarily 
repressed, by royal and oppressive menace. 

Notwithstanding the efforts of his majesty^e 
servants to preserve quietness, the month of July 
did not pass by in peace. General Sumpter, a 
man ardently attached to the cause of liberty, 
in several engagements in South Carolina, with 
the English and their partizans, gained great 
advantages over them, and in one instance, re- 
duced a regiment — the prince of Wales' — from 
two hundred and seventy-eight to nine. 

While Sumpter was thus keeping up the spi- 
rits of the people by a succession of gallant ex- 
ploits, a respectable force was advancing through 
Clie middle States, for the reUef of their south- 
ern brethren. 

We shall interrupt the thread of our history to relate the per- 
sonal adventures of Major General Wadsworth, in the district 
of Maine, during the spring of this year, 1780. He had been 
sent by the legislature of Massachusetts, to command in that 
nart of the country. Having attended to the objects of his mis- 
sion during the summer of '79, and the principal part of the suc- 
ceeding winter, he dismissed his troops towards the end of Feb- 
ruary, and began to prepare for his return to Boston. le had 
been accompanied during this time by Mrs. Wadsworth, and a 
friend of hers. Miss Fenno, of that place. 

His preparations, however, were discovered by a disaffected 
inhabitant in the neighbourhood, who gave intelligence to the 
commander of the Britisn fort at Bagaduce, and assured him 
that the general might easily be made a prisoner. No time ras 
lost. Tw enty-five soldiers, with the proper officers, were soon 
embarked on board a vessel, in which they proceeded to an in- 
let, four miles from the general's quarters. Here they landed 
under cover of night, and lying concealed till near midnight, 
£hey proceeded on their destined purpose. 

The nature of the ground was such as to conceal them, until 
tli»'y had arrived at the house. The sentinel, being surnrised. 



PERIOD V...1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 211 

spiling into the kitchen door, and was followed by a volley from 
tlie assailants, and by some of the assailants themselves. Ano- 
ther party blew in the windows of the General's bed-room, 
whilst a third party, forcing the windows of Miss Fenno, rushed 
into her apartment. 

The general's room being barred, ht determined to mal-e 
what resistance he was able. Accordingly, as the assailants ap- 
proached his apartment, he repeatedly discharged his pistols, a 
blunderbuss, and fusee. At length a ball from the kitchen broke 
bis arm, and terminated the contest. 

The party, apprehensive of danger, now retired in haste, t£ik- 
ing with them the wounded general, but leaving his wife and 
Miss Fenno, to emotions the most intense. After proceeding 
with some difficulty near a mile. General Wadsworth was put 
on a horse, behind a mounted soldier, and being warned that 
silence alone would ensure his safety, the party at length reach- 
ed the vessel, which immediately sailed for the fort. 

Near the close of the day the party arrived with their charge. 
General Wadsworth landed amidst the shouts of a multitude, 
which had assembled to see the man, wht) had justly excited 
their admiration, by his enterprises in that quarter, and, under 
a guard, was conducted to the officers' guard room. Here his 
wounds were dressed ; a room in the officers' barracks was as- 
signed him, and through the civility of General Campbell, the 
commandant of the fort, who often visited him, his situation was 
rendered as comfortable as could be expected. 

General Wadsworth, however, was a prisoner and atone. 
Nothing could supply the place of freedom, to which a spirit 
like his constantly aspired, or of domestick happiness, which, 
though a soldier of the most ardent stamp, he well knew how 
to appreciate. Added to this, his wound, during the first two 
weeks, had become so inflamed as to confine him entirely to his 
room. 

At the expiration of this time, he had the happiness to hear 
from his wife by means of an officer, bearing a flag of truce, 
who at his request had been despatched by General Campbell 
with a letter to her, and another to the governour of Massachu- 
setts. The intelligence he received from Mrs. Wadsworth, of 
her safety, and especially of that of his little son, who he supposed 
had been killed the night he was taken prisoner — was peculiar- 
ly gratifying. So far from having been injured, his son had 
slept amidst all the horrors of the scene, and only knew of the 
transactions of the dreadful night, by the devastations he saw 
around him in the morning. 

At the end of five weeks, when his wounds were nearly healed, 
♦he general requested the customary privilege of a parole. Cil* 



212 PERIOD V....1775....17a3....REVOLUTION. 

cutnstances, however, existed which rendered it necessary to 
deny him, and he acquiesced. About this time Mrs. W^adsworth 
and Miss Fenno, under protection of a passport from General 
Campbell, visited him. The visit lasted ten days, to their mu- 
tual satisfaction. 

In the mean time, orders respecting him had arrived from the 
commanding general at New- York. Of the tenor of these or- 
ders. General Wadsworth was ignorant, but their unpropitious 
nature was indicated by the change of conduct and counte 
nance in some of the officers. Miss Fenno had accidentally 
learned their import, but she carefully concealed her knowledge, 
until the moment of her departure, when, to prevent suspicion, 
she barely said, " General Wadsworth, take care of yourself." 
From the servants, not long after, he learned that instead of be- 
ing exchanged, he was to be sent to England. 

In the course of some days. Major Benjamin Burton, a bri.ve 
officer, was conveyed as a prisoner to Bagaduce, and lodged in 
the same room with General Wadsworth. He confirmed the 
report of the servants respecting the transportation of the gene- 
ral to England, and learned, not long after, that he himself was 
destined to a similar fate. The monitory caution of Miss Fenno 
was now explained, and the general plainly saw the importance 
of attending to it. These officers were not long in deciding that 
they would not cross the Atlantick ; and though scarcely a rav 
qf hope presented itself to encourage them, they nevertheless re- 
solved to attempt to escape. 

Bagaduce, on which the fort stands, is a peninsula of mode- 
rate extent, washed by considerable waters on every side, ex- 
cept the sandy beach which connects it with the main land on 
the west. The fort stands on the middle of the peninsula. The 
prisoners were confined in a grated room in the officers' bar- 
racks. The walls of the fort, exclusively of the depth of the 
ditch surrounding it, were twenty feet high, with frasing on the 
top, and chevaux-de-frise below. Sentinels were stationed in 
every place in and about the fortress, where their presence could 
be supposed to be necessary. Escape, therefore, seemed al- 
most impracticable. 

After several plans proposed by the prisoners for their escape, 
tliey settled at length upon the following. As the room in 
which they were confined was ceiled with boards, they deter- 
mined to cut off one of these so as to admit their entrance. 
After passing through, they proposed to creep along one of the 
joists to which these boards were nailed, and thus to pass over 
the room adjoining it, which bv=?longed to the officers, until they 
should come to the middle entry, and then by a blanket, which 
was to be taken with them, to let themselves down in this entry. 



rEEIODT..«l775..a783....KEVOLUTION. 214 

In case of being observed, they agreed upon several stratagems 
to be employed, in order that their attempt might be crowned 
with success. 

In agreement with this plan, after the sentinel had taken the 
required precaution in regard to the prisoners, and seen them ih 
beJ, General Wadsworth arose, and attempted to make the 
necessary incision into the board with his knife. But he found 
the attempt useless, and hazardous, since it could be done nei- 
ther with the necessary expedition nor without noise. This 
part of the design was therefore abandoned. He, however, 
soon found means, through the agency of a soldier, who was his 
barber, to procure a gimblet without exciting a suspicion as to the 
purpose for which he intended it. 

On the succeeding night, they made the attempt with their 
gimblet, but this also occasioned too much noise. They resolved 
next to make the experiment in the day time ; cind although 
two sentinels in walking the entry every moment or two passed 
by their door, which had a glass window in it, and although 
they were exposed every hour to the intrusion of their servants, 
or of the officers of the fort, they succeeded in perforating the 
ceiUng from time to time. The stratagem was simply this. As 
ihe sentinels were in the habit of pacing the entry backwards 
and forwards, the prisoners would commence the same tour in 
their own room, being careful to keep time with them, and both 
lo pass at the same instant by the glass door ; but as the senti- 
nels had to go twice the length the prisoners had, this afforded 
an opportunity for one of the latter to be engaged with the gim- 
blet in the mean time, and then to join his companion as the 
sentinels came back. 

In this manner a sufficient number of holes were bored in the 
course of three weeks. The small spaces between the holes 
were cut with a pen-knife, except one at each corner, in order 
to hold the piece in its proper place, till they were ready finally 
to remove it. The wounds in the mean time were covered over 
with a paste made of chewed bread, resembling the colour of the 
Doard, and the dust was carefully swept from the floor. K.U 
this was done without suspicion from any quarter. 

Their conveyance to New-York, or Halifax, and thence to 
Enghnd, was understood to be by a privateer, which was then 
on a V ruise, but was soon expected to return. Their attention 
of course was arrested by every thing which they heard relative 
to this vessel, and they made every unsuspicious inquiry in 
their power, concerning the situation of the fort, the posting of 
the sentinels, and similar subjects. The information thus ob- 
tained, eoablsd General Wadsworth^ who had previously some 



214 PERIOD V....1775....1783..„REV0LUTI0N. 

knowledge of the place, to form a correct view of the VfhOtid 
ground. 

During this time they made what httle preparations they 
were able, as to provisions, and other things, that related to 
their intended escape. At the end of three weeks they were all 
ready. The privateer was daily expected to return, wh'ch 
would disconcert all their purposes, and they wished nothing 
more than such an opportunity as a dark and rainy night would 
aftbrd, in order to their deliverance. During a whole week no 
such opportunity offered, and, together with this fact, some cir- 
cumstances, tending to excite a belief that their design was sus- 
pected, occurred, and rendered their anxiety extreme. 

At length the favourable occasion was presented. A storm 
on the 18th of June brought on an unusual degree of darkness 
and rain. At about eleven o'clock the prisoners retired appa- 
rently to rest, while the sentinel was looking through the glass 
door. No soo'ner, however, were their lights extinguished, than 
iliey arose; their first object was to cut the comers of the 
board, through which they were to make their '^scape. An 
liour was spent in accomplishing this purpose, and as it was 
attended with considerable noise, it was not done without dan- 
ger. 

Burton first passed through the aperture. His size rendered 
it a difhcult attempt. The general, although smaller, found even 
greater difficulty from the weakness of his arm. But the ur- 
gency of the case induced him to put forth every effort. By 
means of a chair, on which he stood, and a blanket fastened 
with a skewer put through the hole, he raised himself through. 
The noise made by these attempts, and even the cackling of the 
fowls that roosted above the rooms were unheeded, being drown- 
ed by the torrents of rain pouring incessantly on the roof of the 
building. 

By agreement, when Burton had reached the middle entry, 
he was to wait for the general ; the latter, however, when he 
had gained the place was unable to find him, but judging from 
appearances that he had escaped through the doer, he followed 
on. Passing partly round the building in order to gain the 
western side, he felt his way directly under the eaves, lest he 
should strike against some person, an event to which he was 
exposed in consequence of the extreme darkness. Fiom this 
point he made his way towards the neighbouring wall of the 
fort, but was unable to climb the bank until he bad found out 
an oblique path. 

Just as he had gained the place on the north bastion, where 
Burton and himself had agreed to cross the wall, the guard 
house dooFj on the opposite side of the fort, was thrown open, 



PERIQD T....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. gjj 

and the words "Rdief turn out" were dictinctly sounded. At 
ths instant he heard a scrambHng in a contrary dkeition 
wn.ch he knew must be made by his companion. Th.^wa^ a 
cntjcal moment. The general was in clanger of being tr^d on 
by the guard, as they came around on the top of the wall and 
he barely prevented this catastrophe, bv getting himTelTand I^ 
wet Wanket upon the fraising, wllich'wasfhe ou^wa'd™;;? 

After the guard had passed on, by means of his blanket 

fastened round a p.ckct of the fraising, ho let himself down as 

near he ground as the length of the blanket would aXk 

and tl.en let go his hold, and fell without injury. iS 

mad,, several movements with great silence, in order to clea? 

bmseh from the works connected with the fort, he atUgth 

t\T ^™ff/ .^^«^^"f "g ^he declivity of the hill, into the S 

field 411 th,s was done, not without extreme difficuly, ow^ng 

to the lameness of his arm. iNO indications appeared that hf 

was as yet discovered. ^^ ^ '^^ 

As the rain and darkness continued, he groped his way to an 

old pard house on the shore of the back cove. At this^build- 

>ng he and his companion had agreed to meet, should thev have 

been previously separated. Burton, however, after a Ion? 

•search was not to be found. Accordingly the general prenared 

to cross the cove and happily succeed^ as tfe tS S's' thai 

and he had proceeded a mile and a half from the fort fits 
course-lay up a sloping acclivity, which at the time happened 
to be overspread with trees, a circumstance that greatly impeded 
his progress. He proceeded a mile over the ground, tHl he 

he .o h- TT' "^^^' ''^ '■^""^ ^ ^««d, which, however, 
he soon lelt for the woods, in order to make his way to the 
river. Here the day dawned, and he heard the reveille^ beat at 
the fort At sun-nse he reached the eastern shore of the Penob- 
sc<it. Choosing however not to cross the river af that nlace 
he contu^ued his way still higher up at the foot of the bank 

ide. By this means no hoped to be secure from the blood- 
lounds kept at the fort. Having reached a place at a distance 
f sev™ miles from the fort, where it was necessary for him to 

e "nXdTd'? '"', f "' '^ '""' ^ ^^"^^ 'y'^"^ - ^he sfore' 
h^ « > . r^ ^""^ r *""^' ^""^ ^'•y ^''' <=lothes. While in 

nl h-' T-' '"'"'r' '"' J">^ *" "^'"''y ^^' f"-"d Burton aj^ 

proaching h,m,in the very track which he himself had taken.^ 

Ihe majors after having passed through the hole in the ceil- 

Sr.Th ;f '? ™''' ''^ "">^ '"*" *^^ '--d -^^^^ -d ^r. 
^lu(iuig that his friena wouxa ue uname to pass through the hole, 



216 PERIOD V....1775. .l783~..ttEVOLUTION. 

for want of assistance in the room, thought it best to complete 
his escape alone. He met with little difficulty till the door of 
the guard room was suddenly opened, and supposing that a dis- 
covery had taken place, he immediately leaped from the wall ; 
fortunately receiving no injury, though his life was singularly 
exposed by the leap, he easily escaped into the open ground. 

Mistaking the ground he should have taken. Burton suddenly 
found himself near a sentinel, who was one of a picket guard, 
stationed not far from the isthmus. As however he was not 
perceived, he found means silently to withdraw from his unwel- 
come neighbour, and entering the water on the side of the 
isthmus next the river, he passed over to the opposite side above 
the picket. This undertaking was hazardous in the extreme, 
and cost him an hour's excessive toil. Chilled and exhausted 
he then took his way through the forest, which the general had 
taken before, and by this means rejoined him. 

The two friends entered the canoe, and as they were in the 
expectation of being pursued by the enemy, they proposed to 
cross the river obliquely. While executing this project, a barge 
belonging to the British came in sight at some distance. Cir- 
cumstances, however, favoured the concealment of the officers, 
and by hard rowing they landed out of reach of their pursuers. 
For greater safety they abandoned the shore, and directed their 
course through the forests towards the head of St. George's 
river. A compass which Burton had fortunately retained was 
their guide. Though greatly incommoded by showers, heat, 
and the obstructions of a forest, they travelled twenty-five miles 
by sun-set. 

They made less progress however the next day ; and on the 
third day. General Wadsworth, from soreness, lameness, and fa- 
tigue, proposed to stop where he was, until his friend, by pro- 
ceeding onward to the nearest settlement, could bring him re- 
lief. To this plan, however, Burton strenuously objected. 
They then both proposed to refresh themselves with a little 
. sleep. This they did in the heat of the day, and found the ef- 
fect so beneficial, that they were invigorated to pursue their 
journey, which they finished at six o'clock, P. M., by reaching 
the settlements towards which they had directed their course. 
The inhabitants flocked around them with the strongest expres- 
sions of joy, and having formed themselves into a guard for their 
protection, conducted these officers to. an inn, not far from the 
place where the general was taken prisoner. Parties of the 
enemy were lurking round in order to way-lay them, and they 
were saved from falling again into thpir hands oply by the de- 
fence which was so generously afforded them. Burton soon 
reached his farailj'. General Wadsworth set out for Portland 




Burning of Schenectady, p. 81. 




Torture o/Captives taken in King William's War. p. 89 



i»ERIOD V....1775....I783....REVOLUTION. ZiJ 

where he expected to find Mrs. Wads worth. But she and Miss 
Fenno had sailed lor Boston, before his arrival. 

He immediately proceeded to join them at that place. On, 
his arrival, he found that they had suffered much from the want 
of money and friends, besides being nearly shipwrecked on their 
way. The past however was forgotten in the felicities of the 
present and in gratitude to a kind Providence, through which 
they had escaped perils both by sea and land.* 

Section LII. The southern army, now placed 
under the command of Gates, the hero of Sara- 
toga — General Lincoln having been superseded, 
amounted to four thousand ; but of these scarcely 
one thousand were regular troops, the rest con- 
sisting of militia, from North Carolina, Maryland, 
and Virginia. 

As this army approached South Carolma, Lord 
Rawdon, who commanded on the frontier, under 
Lord Cornwallis concentrated the royal forces, 
two thousand in number, at Camden, one hun- 
dred and twenty miles northwest from Charles- 
ton. Here Cornwallis, on learning the move- 
ments of the Americans, joined him. 

On the morning of the 16th of August, the two 
armies met, and a severe and general actitm en- 
sued, in which, thrctugh the unpardonable failure 
of the militia, the British gained a decided ad- 
vantage. 

At the first onset, a large body of the Virginia militia, under 
a charge of the British infantry with fixed bayonets, threw down 
tlieir arms, and fled. A considerable part of the North ('aro- 
lina militia followed their unworthy example. But the conii- 
nentai troops evincnl the most unyielding firmness, and pressed 
foi ward with unusual ardour. Never did men acquit them' 
selves more honourably. They submitted only when forsakcgu 
by their brethren in arms, and when overpowered br numbers. 

In this battle, the brave Baion de Kalb, second m command, 
at the head of the Marylanders, fell, cov*^red wfth wounds, 
which he survived only a few days. De Kalb was a German 



Dwight's Travels. 

19 



5118 PERIOD V....1775....1783....IIEVOLUTION. 

by birth, and had formerly served in the armies of the French. 
In consideration of his distinguished merit, as an officer and 
soldier, congress resolved that a monument should be erected to 
his memory at Annapolis. 

The battle of Camden was exceedingly bloody. The field of 
battle, the road and swamps, for somp distance, were covered 
with wounded and slain. The number of Americans killed, 
although not certain, probably amounted to between six and 
seven hundred, and the wounded and prisoners to one thou- 
sand three hundred or one thousand four hundred. The British 
stated their loss to be only three hundred and twenty four, in 
killed and wounded ; but it was probably much greater. 

Section LITI. " The disaster of the army, un- 
(ler Gen. Gates, overspread, at first, the face of 
Amencan affairs with a dismal gU)om ; but the 
da}' of prosperity to the United States besran, as 
will api ear in the sequel, from that moment to 
dawn. 

*' Their prospects brightened, while those of 
their enemies were obscured by disgrace, broken 
by defeat, and, at last, covered with ruin. Elat- 
ed WMth their victoHes, the con(|uerors grew more 
insolent and rapacious, while the real friends of 
independence bec;ime resolute and determined." 

Section LIV. While tiie campaign of 1 780 
was thus filled up with important events in the 
southern department, it passed away, in the 
northern States, in successive disappointments, 
and reiterated distresses. 

In ,lune, a body of five thousand of the enemy, 
under Gen. Kniphausen, entered New-Jersey, 
and, in acfaition to plundering the country, wan- 
tonly burnt several villages. 

■on the arrival of this body at Connecticut Farms, a small 
settlemnnt containing; about a dozen houses and a church, they 
Inirnt the whol.^. At this place there resided a presbyteriun mi- 
iiisier by the name of Caldwf^ll, whi» had taken a co'tispicuoiis 
part in the cause of freedom, and who had, of C(Mirse, incurred 
ih*" deep displeasure ot Uen. Kniphausen. Supposing, how- 
eTer,ihat the gmieral's resentment would be confined to him, 



a 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOUJTION. 219 

and that his family would be safe on the approach of the entray, * 
he hastily withdi>'\v, leaving his wife and children to their mer- 
cy Col. Drayton had previously withdrawn the railitia from the 
place, thai there might be no pretext for enormities ; but the 
British soldiers in the American war, did not wait for pretexts 
to be cruel. Mrs. Caldwell was shot in the midst of her chil- 
dren, by a villain, who walked up to the window of the tooni 
in which sue was sitting, and took deliberate aim with his mus- 
ket. This atrocious act was attempted to be excused as an aC' 
cirlentf as a ranrhm siiot ; but the attempt at palliation served 
only to increase the crime. 

Besides l\w.^e predatory incursions?, by which 
tlie inhabitants suffered aiarm, distress, and de- 
struction uf property, they suffered greatly, also, 
from the constantly diminishing value of their 
paper currency, and from unfavourable crops. 

The situation of Gen. Washington, often during the war em- 
barrassing, had been distressing through the winter, in his en- 
campment at Morristown. The cold \vas more intense than it 
had ever been known to be before in this climate, within the 
memory of the oldest inhabitant. The winter, li^this diy, hears 
the distinctive epithet of the hard whiter. The army suffered 
extremely, and often had Washington the prospect before him 
of being obliged to break up his encampment, and disband his 
soldiers. 

The return of spring brought little alleviation to heir distress. 
Great disorder pervaded the departments i»r supplyinff the army. 
Abuses crept in, frauds were practised, and notwithstanding the 
poverty of the country, economy, on the part of the coinniissa- 
fies, was exiled. 

In May, a committee from congress visited the army, and re- 
ported to that body, an account of the distresses and disorders 
conspicuously prevalent. In particular, they stated, " that the 
army was unpaid foi live months — that it seldom had more than 
six days' provisions in advance, and was, on several occasions, 
for sundry successive days, without meat — that the medical de- 
partment had neither sugar, coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, nor spi- 
rituous liquors of asiy kind ; and that every department of the 
armv was without money, and had not even the shadow of cre- 
dit left." 

Sfxtion LV. But under all this tide of evils, 
there appeared no disposition, in public bodies, 
to purchase their relief by concession. They 



220 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

beemed, on the contrary, to rise in the midst of 
their distresses, and to gain firmness and strength 
by the pressure of calamity. 

Section LVl. Fortunately for the Americans, 
as it seemed, M. de Ternay arrived at Rhode- 
Island, July 10th, from France, with a sfjuadron 
of seven sail of the line, five frigates, and five 
smaller armed vessels, with several transports, 
and six thousand men, all under conimand of 
Lieutenant General Count de Rochaniheau. 
Great was the joy excited by this event, and high 
raised expectations were indulged from the as 
sistance of so powerful a force again.vt the ene- 
my. But the British fleet, in our waters, was 
still superior, and that of the French, and the 
French army, were for a considerable time, in- 
capacitated from co-operating with the Ameri- 
cans, by being blocked up at Rhode-Island. 

The arrival of tiie French deet, at Newport, was ji^reeted by 
the ritizerij with every deniosistrat'on of joy. Thf> town was 
illuminated, and congratulatory addresses were exchanged. As 
a symbol of friendship and aifection for the allies, Gen. Wash- 
ington n'commended to the American officers, to wear black and 
white cockades, the ground to be of the first colour, and the re- 
lief of the second. 

Section LVII. The fortress of West-Point, on 
the Hudson, sixty miles north of Nevv-York, 
and its importance to the Americans, has already 
been noticed. Of this fortress. Gen. Arnold had 
solicited and obtained the command. Soon af- 
ter assuming the command, Arnold entered in- 
to negotiations with Sir Henry Clinton, to make 
such a disposition of the forces in the fortress, 
as that the latter might easily take possession of 
it by surprise. Fortunately for America, this 
base plot was seasonably discovered to prevent 
the ruinous consequences that must have follow- 
ed. Arnold, however* escaped to the enemy 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 221 

loaded with infamy and disgrace. Andre, the 
agent of the British, in this negotiation, was tak- 
en, and justly expiated his crime on the gal- 
lows, as a spy. 

Major Andre, at this time adjutant-gtnerai of the British 
aimy, was an officer extremely youujy; — but liigh-minded, brave, 
and accomplished. He was Iranspwrted in a vessel called the 
Vulture, up the North river, as near to West I'oint as was prac- 
ticable, without exciting suspicion. On the 21st of September, 
at night, a boat was sent from the shore, to bring him. Or. its 
return, Arnold met him at the beach, without the posts of either 
army. Their business was not finished, till too near the dawn 
of day for Andre to return to the Vulture. He, therefore, kiy 
concealed widiin the American lines. During the day, the Vul- 
ture found it necessary to change her position, and Andre, not 
being able now to get on board, was compelled to attempt his 
return to New-York by land. 

Having changed his military dress for a plain coat, and re- 
ceived a passport from Arnold, under the assumed name of 
John Anderson, he passed the guards and outposts, without 
suspicion. On his arrival at Tarrytown, a village thirty miles 
north of New-York, in the vicinity of the first British posts, he 
was met by three militia soldiers — John Paulding, David Wil- 
liams, and Isaac Yan Wert. He showed them his passport, 
and they suffered him to continue his route. Immediately after 
this, one of these three men, thinking that he perceived something 
sincT'ilar in the person of the traveller, called him back. Andre 
asked them where they were from ? " From down below," they 
replied, intending to sa\'. from New- York. Too trank to sus- 
pect a snare, Andre immediately answered, " And so am I." 

l^pon this, they arrested him, when he declared himself to be 
a British officer, and offered them his WHtch, and all the gold 
he had with him, to be released. These soldiers were poor and 
obscure, but they w^^re not to be bribed. Resolutely refusing 
his offers, they conducted him to Lieutenant Col. Jameson, their 
Commanding officer. 

Jameson injudiciously permitted Andre, still calling himself 
Anderson, to write to Arnold, who immediately escaped on 
board the Vulture, and took refuge in New-Y<trk. 

Washington, on his way to head quarters, from Connecticut 
— where he had been to confer with Count de Rochanibeau — 
providentially happened to be at West Point, just at this time. 
After taking measures to insure the safety of the fort, he ap- 
pointed a board, of which Gen. Greene was presidentj to decufe 
upon the condition and punishment of Andre. 

19* 



jjj PERIOD V....l773.„1783....KEVOLUTION. 

nimously pronounced A^"f re a W^an ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ 

ably to tlie laws and "«^g^« ^^ "^'^^i American army, and 
^ajor Andre had many f''^^/^ "^^ ^. had duty to his 
even ^Washington would h^^ve P^re^^^^^ ^^^ ^,de by Sir 
country permitted^ Every P« -b^; J7,,„,ed in.portant that 
Henry Clinton m h.s f^Jf ' ^^^^;^,^„",id be carried into execu- 

stained with no action that ^a" g -^^^ penod, and 

,he request I make to -V^ ;';^^;; '^ not be rejected. Sym- 

which is to sotten ri.y ^'''[^''^'^XX^nce your excellency, and 

pathy towards -^^l^-;^''^^; mode of my death to the feelings 
k military fnend,to ^^ai t thejcd ^y ^^^^ .^. ^^^^^^ .^ 

die on a gibbet." sympathies of Washington, 

This letter ot Andre ''^^^^^^^J^^^. ^^J^oner would have been 

and had he o"b' ^^-n -ncern^d^^ t^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ,, 

.pardoned and released. J^"/ ^^^"^^.^^aed that private feehngs 
Lake, and the sternness of justice dem^^^^ officers, on the pro- 
should be sacrificed U pon ^^"«"- '"/j;; ,i,e death of a soldier, 
^riety of Major Andre's request to ee t ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ 

Lto beshot-.t was deemed »---7,^,„ber, U.is unfortunate 

VersaHy lamented his ""^""^1^ ^"^^^^^^^ ,„d Van Wert, for their 
As a reward to ^""'dtng, W.llmn^, a ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^ 

Virtuous and patrK>t.c\ ;;-"du ^.f^f ^^^^H silver medal, on one 
ai. annuity of two hundred ^""^[^.^^"^g.^iption--" fidelity,"- 

t^ tr^::, ^i:^So::;::;tt;o:^"^.nc. a^or^^n^^ 

n^elancholy fate Andre -/P^''^^^ reXd the commission 
^here, as the price ot h;^^^-; ^^ ^^^^^^^ fr- 

t^?'^£lfstTott;ttrand.^^^^ of Arnold's fall from 



PERIOD V....l773....l783....REyOLUTION. 22S 

virtue ; bis vanity and extravagance liad led him into expenses 
which it was neither in the powei nor will of congress to sup- 
port. He had involved himself in debt, from which he saw no 
hope of extricating himself; and his honour, therefore, was bar- 
tered for British gold. 

Section LVIII. Gen. Washington, having 
learned whither Arnold had fled, deemed it pos- 
sible still to take him, and to bring him to the 
jnst reward of his treachery. To accomplish 
an object so desirable, and, at the same time, ia 
so doing, to save Andre, Washington devised a 
plan, which, although it ultimately failed, evinc- 
ed the capacity of his mind, and his unwearied 
ardour for his country's good. 

Having matured the plan, Washington sent to Major Lee to 
repair to head quarters, at Tappan, on the Hudson. " I have 
sent for you," said Gen. Washington, "■ in the expectation that 
you have some one in your corps, who is willing to undertake a 
dflicate and hazardous pn>ject. Whoevei conies forward will 
confer great obligations upon me personally, and, in behalf of 
the United States, I will rt;ward him amply. No time is to be 
lost ; he must proceed, if possible, to-night. I intend to seize 
Arnold, and save Andre." 

Major Lee named a sergeant-major of his corps, by the name 
of Champe — a native of Virginia, a man full of bone and mus- 
cle — with a countenance grave, thoughtful, and taciturn — of 
tried courage, and inflexible perseverance. 

Champe was sent for by IVIajor Lee, and the plan proposed. 
This was for him to desert — to escape to IN ew- York — to ap-» 
pear friendly to the enemy — to watch Arnold, and, upon some 
fit opportunity, with the assistance of some one whom Champe 
could trust, to seize him, and conduct him to a place on the 
river, appointed, where boats should be in readiness to bear 
them away. 

Champe listened to the plan attentively — but, with the spirit 
of a man of honour and integrity, replied — " that it was not 
danger nor difficulty, that deterred him from immediately ac- 
cepting the proposal, but the ignominy of desertion^ and the 
hypocrisy of enlisting with the enemy P^ 

To these objections, Lee replied, that although he would ap- 
pear to desert, yet as he obeyed the call of his commander in 
chief, his departure could not be considered as criminal, and 
ihatj if he sufiered in reputation, for a time, the matter would 



224 ^ PERIOD V....1775....1783....REA'OLUTION. 

one day be explained to his credit. As to the second objection, 
it was urged, that to bring such a man as Arnold to justice — 
loaded with guih as he was — and to save Andre — so young — 
so accomphshed — so beloved — to achieve so much good in the 
cause of his country — was more than sufficient to balance a 
wrong, existing only in appearance. 

The objections of Charape wt're at length surmounted, anj 
he accepted the service. It was now eleven o'clock at night. 
With his instructions in his pocket, the sergeant rpturn«^d to 
camp, and, taking his cloak, valice, and orderly book, drew his 
horse from the picket and mounted, putting himsell upon for 
tune. 

Scarcely had half an hour elapsed, before ( ^apt. Carnes, the offi- 
cer of the day, waited upon l,ee, wlio was vainly attempting tc 
rest, and informed him, that one of the patrol iiad fallen in with 
a dragoon, who, being chillenijed, put spurs to his horse and es- 
caped. Lee, huping toconceul the liight of ('hampe, or at least 
to delay pursuit, complained of fatigue, and told the captain 
that the patrol had proliably mistaken a coiuitryman for a dra- 
goon. Carnes, however, was not thus to lie quieted; and he 
withdrew to assemble his corps. On examination, it was found 
that Champe was absent. The cajuain now returned, and ac- 
quainted Lee with the discovery, ad(!ing thnt he had detached a 
party to pursue the deserter, and begged the major's written or- 
ders. 

After making as much dt'la}^ as prncticable, without exciting 
suspicion, Lee delivers his orders — in which he directed the paity - 
to take Champe if possible. " Bring him alive," said he, " that 
he may suffer in the presence of the army ; but kill him if he 
resists, or if he escapes after being taken." 

A shower of rain loll soon after ('hampe's departure, which 

enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the tt ail of his horse, his 

*^ shoes, in common with those of the horses of thf!. army, being 

made in a peculiar form, and each having a private mark, which 

was to be seen in the path. 

JMiddleton, the leader of the pursuing party, left the camp a 
few minutes past twelve, so that Champe had the start of but 
little molde than an hour — a period by far shorter than had been 
contemplated. During the night, the dragoons were often de- 
layed in the necessary halts to examine the road ; but, on the 
coming of morning, the impression of the horse's shoes was so 
apparent, that they pressed on with rapidity. Some miles above 
Bergen, a village three miles north of New-York, on the oppo 
site side of the Hudson, on asci-nding a hill, Champe was des- 
cried, not more than half a mile distant. Fortunately, Champe 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 225 

descried his pursuers at the same momenl, and, conjecturing 
their object, put spurs to his horse, with the liope of escape. 

By taking a different road, Chauipe was, for a time, lost 
sight oi — but, on approaching the r ver, he was again descried. 
Aware of his danger, he now lashed his vaUce, containing his 
clothes and orderly book, to his slioulders, and prepared him- 
self to plunge into the river, if necessary. Swift was his flight, 
and swift rhe pursuit. Middleton and his party were within a 
few liiuidred yards, when ('hampe threw himself from his horse 
and plunged into the river, calling aloud upon some British gal- 
leys, at no great distance, for help. A boat was instently de- 
spatched to the sergeant's assistance, and a fire commenced upon 
the pursuers. Champe was takei! on board, and soon after car- 
ried to New- York, witli a letter from the captain of the galley, 
stating the past scene, all of which he had witnessed. 

The pursuers having recovered the sergeant's horse and cloak, 
returned to camp, where th^y arrived about three o'clock the 
next day. On their appearance with the well known horse, the 
soldiers made the air resitund with the acclamations that the 
scoumlrt'l was killed. The agony of Lee, for a moment, was 
past description, lest the faithful, honourable, intrepid Champa 
had fallen. But the truth soon relieved his fears, and he repair- 
ed to Washington to impart to him the success, thus, far of his 
plan. 

Soon after the arrival of Champe in New-York, he was sent 
to Sir Henry Clinton, who treated him kindly, but detained him 
more than an hour in asking him questions, to answer some of 
which, without exciting suspicion, required all the art the ser- 
geant was master of. He succeeded, however, and Sir Henry 
gave him a couple of guineas, and recommended him to Arnold, 
who was wishing to procure American recnit*;. Arnold re- 
ceived him kindly, and proposed to him i- jo n his legion ; 
Champe, however, expressed his wish to reti p trom war; but 
assured the general, that if he should change his in<ad, he would 
enlist. 

Champe found means to communicate to Lee an account of 
his adventures ; but, unforlunately, he could not succeed in tak- 
ing Arnold, as was wished, before the execution of Andre. Ten 
days before Champe brought his project to a conclusion, Lee 
received from him his final communication, a{)poJnting the third 
slibsequent night for a party of dragoons to meet him at Hobo- 
ken, opposite New- York, when he hoped to deliver Arnold to 
the officers. 

Champe had enlisted into Arnold's legion, from which time 
he had every opportunity, he could wish, to attend to the habits 
of the general. He discovered that it was his custom to return 



226 PERIOD V...1775....1783....REVOLUTIOK 

home about twelve every night, and ihai, pr* viously to going to 
beJ, he always visited th«' garden. During this visit, the con- 
spiiators were to seize him, and, being prepared with a gag^ 
they were to appl^ the same instantly. 

Adjoining the house ni whicii Arnold resided, and in which 
it was designed to seize and gag liini, Chainpe liad taken ofl 
several ot" the palings and replaced then), so that with ease, and 
without noise, he could readily open his way t( the adjoining 
alley. Into this alley he init-nded to convey his pnsoiier, aided 
by rtis companion, one ol two associates, who had been intro- 
duced by the triend, to wlioni ('hampe had been originally 
made known by letter Irom the commander in chief, and with 
whose aid and counsel, he had so iar conducted ihe enterprise. 
His other associate was, with the boat, prepared at one of the 
wharves on the Hudsim river, to receive the party 

Chainpe and his Irieud intentled to place themi-elves each 
under Arnold's shoulder, and thus to bear hiii. through i he most 
unfrequented alleys and streets to the boat, representing \rnold, 
in case of being quesritjned, as a drunken soldier, wh'tm they 
were conveying to tiie guard-house. 

When arrived at the b(»at, the dilticulties would be all sur- 
mounted, there being no d-uiger nor obstacle in passing to 
the Jersey shore. These particulars, as soon as made known 
to Lee, were communicated to tli* commander in thief, who 
was highly graiilied with the much desired tptelligeace. He 
desired Major Lee to meet Champe, and to lake caie tifiAt Ar- 
nold should not be hurt. 

The day arrived, and Lee, with a party of accouteied horses, 
(one for Arnold, one lor the sergeant, and the third for his as 
sociate, who was to as.^ist in securing Arnold,) left the camp, 
never doubting the success of the enterprise, from the tenour of 
the last received communication- T!ie party reached Hoboken 
about midnight, where they v. ere concealed in the adjoining 
wood — Lee, wifh tluee dragoons, stationing himself near the 
shore of the river. — Hour after hour passed, but no boat ap- 
proached. 

At length the day liroke, and the major retired to his party, 
and, with his led horses, returned to the camp, where he pro- 
ceeded to head quarters to inform the general of the much la- 
mented disappointment, as mortifying, as inexplicable. Wash- 
ington, having perused Champe's plan and communication, had 
indulged the presumption, that, at length, the object of his keen 
and constant pursuit was sure of e::ecution, and did not dis- 
semble the joy which such a conviction produced. He was 
$:hagrined at the issuer and apprehended that his faithful ser- 



PERIOD V....1776....1783....HEVOLUTrON. 227 

geant must liavo beoii detected in the last scene ol his tedious 
and difficult entt uprise. 

In a (ew days, Lee received ati anonymous letter from 
Champe's patron and friend, informing him, that on the day 
preceding the night fixed for the execution of the plot, Arnold 
had removed his quarters to another part of the town, to super- 
intend the embarkation of troops, preparing, as was rumoured, 
for an expedhion to be directed by himself; and that the Ame- 
rican legion, consisting chiefly of American deserters, had been 
transferred from their b.irracks to one of tlie transports, it being 
appreliended that if left on shore, until the expedition was ready, 
many of them might dtsert. 

Thus it happened th.il John Champe, instead of crossing the 
Hudson that night, was safely deposited on board one of the fleet 
of transports, from whence he never departed, until the troops 
under Arnold landed u. Virginia. Nor was he able to escape 
from the British army, u'ltil Hlt-^r the junction of Lord Corn- 
wallis at Petersburg, whfv he deserted ; and, proceeding high 
up into Virginia, he passed into North Carolina, near the Saura 
towns, and, keeping in the friendly districts ol that State, safely 
jomed the army soon after it had passed the Congaree, in pur- 
suit of Lord Rawdon. 

His appearance excited extreme surprise among his former 
comrades, which was not a little increased, when they saw the 
cordial reception he met With from the late major, now Lieu- 
tenant Col. Lee. His whole story was soon known to the corps, 
which re-produced the love and respect of oflfirers and soldiers, 
Heretofore invariabl}' enterlr.ined tor the serjreant, heightened by 
universal admhation of his iate daring and arduous attempt. 

CliHmpe was introduced lo Hen. Greene, who very cheerfully 
complied with the promise made by the coumiander in chief, so 
far as in his power; and. having provided the sergeant with a 
good horse and monej for his journey, sent him to Gen. Wash- 
ington, who nmnificently anticipated every desire of the ser- 
geant, and presented him wiih a discharge from further service, 
lest he might, in the vicissitudes of war, fall into the hands of 
the enemy, when, if recognized, he was sure to die on a gibbet. 

We .-.hdU only add, respeclinsr the after life of this inkeresting 
adventurer, that when Gen. Washington was called by President 
Adams, in 179^, to the command of the army, prepared to de- 
fend the country, against French hostinty, he sent to Lieuten- 
ant Col. Lee, to inquire for Champe ; being deternnned to bring 
him into the field at the head of a company of infantry. Lee 
sent to Loudon county, Virginia, where Champe settled after his 



228 PERIOD V....17r5....1783....REVOLUTION. 

discharge from the artny ; when he learned that the gallant sol* 
ilier had removed to Kentucky, where he soon after died.* 

Section LIX. The year 1781 opened with 
an event extremely afflicting to Gen. Washing- 
ton, and which, for a time, seriously endangered 
the American army. This was the revolt of 
the whole Pennsylvania line of troops, at Mor- 
ristown, to the number of one thousand three 
hundred. The cause of this mutiny was want 
of pay, clothing, and provisions. Upon exami- 
nation of the grievances of the troops, by a com- 
mittee from congress, their complaints were con- 
sidered to be founded in justice. Upon their 
being redressed, the troops, vvliose time of ser- 
vice had expired, returned home, and the rest 
cheerfully repaired again to camp. 

Gen. Wayne, who coniinanded tliese troops, and who was 
greatly respected by them, used every exertioH to quiet them, 
but in vain. In the ardour of remonstrance with them, he cock 
ed his pistol, and turned it towards them. Instantly, an hun- 
dred bayonets were directed towards him, and the men cried 
out, " we love you, we respect you ; but you are a dead man, if 
jfou fire. Do not mistake us ; we are not going to the enemy. 
On the contrary, were thev now to come out, yon should see us 
fight under your orders, with as much resolution and alacrity as 
ever." 

Leaving the camp, the mutineers proceeded in a body to 
Princeton, Thither, Sir Henry C'linton, who had heard of the 
revolt, sent agents to induce them to come over to the British, 
W*th the promise of large rewards. 

But these soldiers loved their country's cause too welltt- listen 
to proposals so reproachful. They were suffering privations 
which could no longer be sustnined ; but they >purned, v^lth 
disdain, the ofier of the enemy. They also sei7,ed the agents of 
the British, and nobly delivered them up to Gen. Wayne to be 
treated as spies. 

Section LX. Tn the" midst of these troubles, 
arising from discontents of the troops, news ar- 



♦ Lee's Memoirs. 



PERIOD V....1775....1783.,..REVaLUTION. 225 

rived of great depredations inVirginia, by Arnold, 
who had left New- York for the south, with one 
thousand six hundred men, and a number of arm- 
ed vessels. Extensive outrages were committed 
by these troops in that part of the country. 
Large quantities of tobacco, salt- rum, &-c. were 
destroyed. In this manner did Arnold show tnc 
change of spirit, which had taken place in his 
breast, and his fidelity to his new engasfements. 
Upon receiving news of these depredations, at 
the request of Gen. Washington, a French 
squadron, from Rhode-Island, was sent to cut 
off Arnold's retreat. Ten of his vessels were de- 
stroyed, and a forty-four gun ship was captured. 
Shortly after this, an engagement took place otf 
the Capes of Virginia, between the French and 
English squadrons, which terminated so ih*- to 
the advantage of the English, that Arnold was 
saved from imminent danger of falling into the 
hands of his» exasperated countrymen. 

Stction LXI. After the unfortunate battle at 
Camden, August I6th, 1780, congress thought 
proper to remove Gen. Gates, and to appoint 
Gen. Greene in his place. In December, 1780, 
Greene assumed the command. The army at 
this time was reduced to two thousand men, 
more than half of whom were militia, and all 
were miserably fed and clothed. 

With this force. Gen. Greene took the field, 
against a superiour regular force, flushed with 
successive victories through a whole campaign. 
Soon after taking the command, he divided his 
force, and, with one part, sent Gen. Morgan to 
the western extremity of South Carolina. 

At this time. Lord Cornwallis was nearly pre- 
pared to invade North Carolina, t/nwiliiug to 

20 



230 PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 

leave such an enemy as Morgan in his rear, he 
despatched Col. Tarleton to engage Gen. Mor- 
gan, and " to pusli him to the utmost." 

Section LXll. January 17tli, 1781, these two 
detachments met, wlien was fought the spirited 
l)attle of tlie Cowpeus, in which the American 
arms signally triumphed. 

In this memorable battle, the British lost upwards of one hiin.' 
ilred killed, among whom were ten commissioned officers, and 
two hundred wounded. More than live huuiired prisoners fell 
into the hands of the Americans, besides two pieces of artillery, 
twelve standards, eight hundred muskets, thirty-five baggage 
waggons, one hundred dragoon horses; the loss of the Ameri- 
cans was no more than twelve killed and sixty wounded. 

The victory of the Cowpens must be reckoned as one of the 
most brilliant achieved during the revolutionary war. The 
force of Morgan hardly amounted to five hundred, while that of 
his adversary exceeded one thousand. Morgan's brigade were 
principally militia, while Tarleton commanded the tiower of the 
British army. 

Section LXIII. Upon receiving the intelli- 
gence of Tarleton's defeat, Cornwallis aban- 
dc^ned the invasion of North Carolina for the 
present, and marched in pursuit of (jen. Morgan. 

Greene, suspecting his intentions, hastened 
with his army to join Morgan. This junction 
was at length effected, at Guilford Court-House, 
after a fatiguing march, in wliich Cornwallis 
nearly overto»)k iiim, and was prevented only by 
the obstruction of a river. 

After his junction with Morgan, Gen. Greene, 
with his troops and baggage, crossed the river 
Dan, and entered Virginia, agam narrowly es- 
caping the British, who were in close pursuit. 

Section LXIV. 8ati^^fied with having driven 
Greene from North Carolina, C<jrnwallis retir- 
e<l lo Hillsborough, where, erecting the royal 
standard, l.e issued his proclamation, inviting 
the loyalists to join him. Mttny accepted his in- 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUTION. 2Sl 

vitation. At the same time, he despatched 
Tarleton, with four hundred and fifty men, to se- 
cure the countenance of a body of loyalists, col- 
lected between the Hawe and Deep rivers. 

Section LXV. Apprehensive of Tarleton's 
success, Gen. Greene, on the 18th of February, 
re-crossed the Dan into Carolina, and despatch- 
ed Generals Pickens and Lee to watch the move- 
ments of the enemy. These officers were un- 
able to bring Tarleton to an engagement. Gen. 
Greene, having now received a reinforcement, 
making his army four thousand five hundred 
strong, conc(mtrated hiv«i forces, and directed his 
march towards Guilford Court-House, whither 
Lord Cornwallis had retired. 

Here, on the 8th of March, a general engage- 
ment took place, in which victory, after alter- 
nately passing to the banners of each army, final- 
ly decided in favour of the British. 

The British loss, in this battle, exceeded five hundred in kilU 
ed and wounded, among whom were several of the most distin- 
guished officers. The American loss was ah«ut four hundred, 
in killed and wounded, of which more than three fourths fell 
upon the continentals. Though the numerical force ol General 
Greene nearly doubled that of Cornwallis, yet, when we con- 
sider the difference between these forces, th** shameful conduct 
of the North Carolina militia, who fled at the first fire, the de- 
sertion of the second Maryland regiment, and that a body of 
reserve was not brought into action, it will appear, that our 
numbers, actually engaged, but little exceeded that of the ene- 
my. 

Section LXVL Notwithstanding the issue of 
the above battle Gen. Greene took the bold re- 
solution of leading back his forces to South Car- 
olina, and of attacking the enemies' strong post 
at Camden, in that State. Accordingly, on the 
9th of April, he put his troops in motion, and on 
the 20th;i encamped at Logtown, within sight of 



232 PERIOD V....1775....17aa.. DEVOLUTION. 

the enemies' works. Lord Rawdon, at this time^ 
held the command of Camden, and had a force 
of only nine hundred men. The army of Gen. 
Greene — a detachment having been made for 
another expedition under Gen. Lee — amounted 
scarcely to twelve hundred men of all classes. 
On the 25th, Lord Rawdon drew out his for- 
ces, and the two armies engaged. For a season, 
victory seemed inclined to the Americans, hut, 
in the issue, Gen. Greene found himself obliged 
to retreat. 

The American loss in killed, wounded, and missing, was two 
hundred and sixtv-eight ; thp English loss was nearly equal. 
The failure of the victory, in this battle, was not attributable, as 
in some cases, to the flight of the militia, when danger had 
scarcely begun — but Gen. (ireene experienced the mortification 
of seeing a r»3giment of veterans give way to an inferiour force, 
when every circumstance was in their favour — the very regi- 
ment mo, which, at the battle of the Cowpens, behaved with 
such heroick bravwy. 

Section- LXVIL Although the British arms 
gained the victory of Camden, the result of 
the wholf* was favourable to the American cause. 
Gen. Lee, with a detachment despatched for that 
purpose, while Greene was marching against 
Camden, took possession of an important post 
at Mottes. near the confluence of the Congaree 
and 8antee rivers. This auspicious event was 
followed by the evacuation of Camden, by Lord 
Ravi don, and of the whole line of British posts, 
with the exception of Ninety-Six and Charles- 
ton. 

Section LXVIIL Ninety-Six, one hundred 
and forty-seven miles north-west from Charles- 
ton, was garrisoned by five hundred and sixty 
men. Against this post, after the battle of Cam 
den, Gen. Greene took up his march, and, on 
the 22d of May, sat down before it. Soon after 



PERIOD V'....17W....17S3....REV0LUTI0N. 2SS 

the siege of it had been commenced, intelligence 
arrived that Lord Rawdon had been reinforced 
by troops from Ireland, and was on hss uiarch 
with two thousand men for its relief. (Jreene 
now determined upon an assault, but in this he 
failed, with a loss of one hundred and fifty men. 

Soon after his arrival at Ninety Six, Lord 
Rawdon deemed it expedient to evacuate this 
post. Retiring himself to Charleston, his army 
encamped at tlie Eutaw Springs, forty miles 
from Charleston. 

Sectio?t LXIX. Gen. Greene, having retired 
to the high hills of Santee, to spend the hot and 
sickly season, in September approached the 
enemy at the Eutaw Springs. On the morning 
of the 8th, he advanced upon him, and the bat- 
tle between the two armies became general. 
The contest was sustained with equal bravery 
on both sides — victory seeming to decide in fa- 
vour of neither. 

The British l(»st in killed, wounded, and prisoners, about one 
thousand one hundred. The loss of the Americans was five 
hundred and fifty-five. 

Section LXX. The battle at the Eutaw 
Springs was the last general action that took 
place in South Carolina, and nearly finished the 
war in that quarter. The enemy now retired to 
Charleston. 

Thus clf^sed the campaign of 1781, in South Carolina. Few 
commanUris have ever had greater difficulties to encounter than 
General Greene ; and few have ever, with the same means,, 
accomplished so much. Th<jugh never so decisively victorious, 
yet the battl^-s which he fought, either from necessity or choice, 
were always so well managed as to result to his advantage. 

Not unmindful of his eminent services. Congress presented 
him wiih a British standard, and a gold medal, emblematical of 
the action at the Eutaw Springs, which restored a sister State to 
the American Union. 

Section LXXL After the battle of Guilford, 

20* 



234 PEEIOD....V....1775....1783....REVOLUT10N 

between Greene and Cornwallis, noticed above, 
the latter, leaving South Carolina in charge of 
Lord Kawdon, commenced his march towards 
Petersburg, in Virginia, where he arrived on the 
2Uth of May. Having received several rein- 
forcements, he found himself with an army of 
eight thousand, and indulged the pleasing anti- 
cipations that Virginia would soon be made to 
yield to his arms. 

Early in the spring, Gen. Washington had de- 
tached the Marquis de la Fayette, with three 
thousand men, to co-operate with the French 
fleet, in Virginia, in the capture of Arnold, who 
was comuiitting depredations in that {State, On 
the failure of this expedition. La Fayette march- 
ed back as far as the head of Elk river. — Here 
he received orders to return to Virginia to op- 
pose the British. On his return, hearing of the 
advance of Cornwallis, towards Petersburg, 
twenty miles below Richmond, he hastened hia 
march to prevent, if possible, the junction o/ 
Cornwallis. with a reinforcement, under Gen. 
Phillips. In this, however, he failed. 

The junction being effected at Petersburg, 
Cornwallis moved towards James' river, which 
he crossed, with the intention of forcing the 
marquis to a battle. 

Prudence forbad the marquis risking an en- 
gagement, with an enemy of more than twice 
his force. He thetefore retreated, and, not- 
withstanding the uncommon efibrts of his lord- 
ship to prevent it, he effected a junction with 
Gen. Wayne, who had been despatched by Wa- 
shini^ton, with eight hundred Pennsylvania mi- 
l+via, to his assistance. After this reinforce- 
(nent) the disproportion between himself and 



PERIOD V....1775 ...17S3....RE VOLUTION. 235 

liis adversary was still too great to permit him 
to think of battle. He continued his retreat, 
therefore, displaying, in all his manoeuvres, the 
highest prudence. 

Section LXXII. While these things were 
transpiring in Virginia, matters of high moment 
seemed to be in ngitation in the north, which, 
not long after, were fully developed. 

Early in May. 1 781 a pl:ui of the whole cam- 
paign had been arranged by G(^n. Washington, 
in consultation at Wetliersfield Connecticut, 
with Generals Knox and Du Portail, on the part 
of the Americans, and Count de Rochambeau, 
on the part of France. The grand project of 
the season was to lay siege to Nen-York, in 
concert with a Fiencli tieet, expected on the 
coast in August. 

In the prosecution of this plan, the French 
troops were marched from Rhode-Island, and 
joined Gen. Washington, who had concentrated 
his forces at Kingsbridge, fifteen miles above 
New- York. All things were preparing for a 
vigorous siege, and, towards this strongest hold 
of the enemy, the eyes of all were intently direct- 
ed. 

In this posture of things, letters addressed t© 
Gen. Washington, informed him that the ex- 
pected French fleet, under the Count de Grasse, 
would soon arrive in the Chesapeake, and that 
this, instead of New- York, was the place of its 
destination. 

Disappointed in not having the co-operation 
of such a force ; disappointed also in not receiv- 
ing the full quota of militia, which had been or- 
dered from New-England and New Jersey ; 
and, moreover, learning that Clinton had been 



236 PERIOD V....1775. ..1783....REVOLUTION. 

reinforced in New-York, by the arrival of three 
thousand Gennans ; Washington was induced 
to change the plan of operations, and to direct 
his attention to Cornwaliis, who, from pursuing 
the Marquis de la Fayette, had retired to York- 
town, near the inourh of York river, and had 
fortified that place. 

Section LXXIII. Having decided upon this 
measure, on the U)th of July he drew off his 
forces, and commenced his niaich, at the sanie 
time strongly impressing Clinton, by every art 
in his puv»er, that an attack woul' scxm be made 
upon New-York. tJ^o successfully was this de 
ception practised, that Washington was some dis 
tance on his vva;» toward?^ Virginia, before Clin- 
ton suspected th;it his object wasau_y oliicr tlian 
to drvaw him from iVew-Yoi k, to fight him i-n the 
field, with superiour forces. 

Having halted at Philadelphia a few days, the 
army continued its march to the head of Elk 
river, whence it embarked for Williamsburg, 
then the hean «]nartcrs of the Marquis de la 
Fayette, where it arrived Sept(>mber 25th. 

Gen. Washinijton and Count de Rochambeau 
preceded the troops ten days, and, to their 
great joy, found that the Count de Grasse had 
entered tlie Capes on tlie 30th of the preceding 
month, with twenty-eight sail, and three thou- 
sand troops. 

On the arrival of these two generals at Wil- 
liamsburg, a vessel was in readiness to convey 
them on board the Ville de Paris, the flag-ship 
of the Count de Grasse, where a council was 
held to determine on future operations. 

Section LXXIV. These lieing settled, the 
combined armies, amounting to twelve thousand 



PERIOD V....l775....1783....nEVOLUTION. 237 

men, moved upon Yorklown and Gloucester, 
September 30th, and the Count de Graisse, with 
his fleet, proceeded up to the mouth of York 
river, to prevent CornvvalHs either from retreat- 
ing, or receiving assistance. 

Yorklown is a small village on the south side of York river, 
whose southern banks are high, and in whose waters a ship of 
the line may ride in sal'ety. Gloucester Point is a piece of land 
on t!ie opposite shore, projecting far into the river. Both these 
posts were occupied by Cornwallis — the main body of the army 
being at York, under the immediate command of his lordship, 
and a detachment of six hundred at Gloucester point, under 
Lieut. Col. Tarleton. 

On the 6th of October, Washington's heavy 
ordnance, Slc. arrived, and the siege was com- 
menced in form. SeUlom, if ever, during the 
revolutionary struggle, did the American com- 
mnnder in chief, or his troops, appear before the 
enemy with more cool determination, or pursue 
him with more persevering ardour, than at the^ 
siege of Yorktown. With the fall of Cornwal-' 
lis, it was perceived that the hopes of Great Bri- 
tain, successfully to maintain the contest, must 
nearly expire ; with this in prospect, there was 
no wavering of purpose, and no intermission of 
toil. 

On tlie 1 9th of October, the memorable victo- 
ry over CornwaUis was achieved, and his whole 
army was surrendei-^^d, amounting to more than 
seven thousand prisoners of war, together with 
a park of artillery of one hvmdred and sixty piec- 
es, the greater part of which were brass* 

Articles of capitulation being mutually signed and ratified, 
Gen. Lincoln was appointed, by the commander in chief, to re- 
ceive the submission of the royal army, in the same manner, iu 
which, eighteen months before, CornwaUis had received that of 
the Americans at Charleston. 

The spectacle is represented as having been impressive and 
affecting. The road through which the captive army marched 



238 PEIIIOD V....1775....17^3. .REVOLUTION 

was lined with spectators, French and Ampj-ican. On one aide, 
the commander in cliief, suno .nded with his suite, and the Ame 
rican stafl', took his station ; on the other side, opposite to bini, 
.was the Count de Ruchunibeau, in the hke manner attended. 

The captive army approached, moving sU>wIy in column, 
with grace and precision. Universal silence vvas obs»?rved amidst 
the vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed ; exhih't 
mg an awful sense of the vicissitudes of human life, mingled with 
commisseration for the unhappy 

Every eye was now turneci, searching for the British com- 
mander in chief, anxious to look at the man, heretofore so much 
the object of their dread. All were disappointed. Cornwallis, 
unable to bear up against the humiliation of marching at the 
head of his garrison, constituted Gen. O'Hara .iis representa- 
tive, on the occasion. 

The post of Gloucester, falling with that of York, was deliv- 
ered up the same day, by Lieut. Col. Tarleton. 

At the term i option of the siege, the besieging army amounted 
to sixteen thousand. The British force was put down at seveu 
thousand one hundred and seven, of which only four thousand 
and seven rank and file are stated to have been fit for duty. 

Section LXXV. Five days after the surrender 
of Cornwallis, Sir Henry Clinton made his ap- 
pearance off the Capes of Virafiiiia with a rein- 
forcement of seven thousand men; but, receiv- 
ing intelligence of his lordship's fate, he re- 
turned to New York. 

Cornwallis, in his despatches to Sir Henry, more than hinted 
that his fall had been produced by a too firm rehance on pro- 
mises, that no pains were taken to fulfil. Clinton had promis 
ed Cornwallis that this auxiliary force should leave New-York 
on the 5th of t)ctobei, but for reasons never explained, it did 
not sail unti' the 19th, the very day that decided the fate of the 
army. 

Section LXXVI. Nothing could exceed the 

joy of the American people, at this great and 

important victory, over Lord Cornwallis. E^x- 

ultation broke forth from one extremity of the 

country to the other. The remembrance of the 

past gave place in all minds to the most brilliant 

hopes. It was confidently anticipated, that the 

affair of Yorktown would rapidly hasten the ac 



PERIOD V....177»....1783.,..REVOHJTION. 239 

Itnowledgment of American Independence — an 
event, for whicli the people had been toiling and 
bleeding through so many campaigns. 

In all parts of the United States, solemn festivals and rejoic- 
ngs celebrated the triumph of American fortune. The names 
of Washington, Rochambeau, De Grasse, and La Fayette, re- 
sounded every where. To the unanimous acclaim of the peo- 
v'e, congress joined the authority of its resolves. It addressed 
thanks to the generals, officers, and soldiers — presented British 
colours — ordered the erection of a marble column — and went in 
procession to church, to render publick thanksgiving to God for 
the recent victory. The 30th of December was appointed as a 
day of national thanksgiving. 

Section LXXVIT. While the combined ar- 
mies were advancing to the siege of Yorktown, 
an excursion was made from New- York, by Gen. 
Arnold, against New- London, in his uative state. 
The object of this expedition seems to have been, 
to draw away a part of the American forces; 
Sir Henry Clinton knowing but too well, that if 
they were left at liberty to push the siege of 
Yorktown, the blockaded army must inevitably 
surrender. 

This expedition was signalized by the great- 
est atrocities. Fort Trumbull, on the west, and 
Fort Griswold, on the east side of the river 
Thames, below New-London, were taken, and 
the greater part of that town was burnt. 

At Fort Trumbull, little or no resistance was nm'Je; but Fort 
Griswold was defended for a time, with great bravery and reso- 
lution. After the fort was carried, a Biitisli officer eiiterintr, in- 
quired who cominand'^d. Col. Ledy^ird answered, " I did, but 
you do now" — ;it the same time prtsenting his sword. The 
officer immediately plunged the sword into his bosom. A gene- 
ral p.iassKcre now took place, as well of those who surrendered as 
of those who resisted, which continued until iiearly all the garri- 
son were either killed or wounded. Sixty dwelling houses, and 
eighty-four scores in New-London, were reduced to ashes. 

Section LXXVllL Th'e M\ of Cornwallis 
may be considered as substantially closing the 



240 PERIOD V....1775....1783....RE70LUTION. 

war. A few posts of importance were still held 
by the British — New-York, Charleston, an Sa- 
vannah — but all other parts of the country, 
which they had possessed, were recovered into 
the power of congress. A few skirmishes alone 
indicated the continuance of war. 

A part of the French army, soon after the cap 
tare of Cornwallis, re-embarked, and Count de 
Grasse sailed for the West Indies. Count Ro- 
chambeau cantoned his army for the winter, 
1 782, in Virginia, and the main body of the 
Americans returned, by the way of the (Chesa- 
peake, to their former position on the Hudson. 

Section LXXIX. From the 12th of December, 
1781, to the 4th of March, 1782, motion after 
motion was made in the British Parliament for 
putting an end to the war in America. On this 
latter day, the commons resolved " that the 
house would consider as enemies to his majesty 
and to the country, all those who should advise, 
or attempt the further prosecution of offensive 
war, on the continent of North America." 

Section LXXX. On the same day, the com- 
mand of his majesty's forces in America was 
taken from Sir Henry Clinton, and given to Sir 
Guy (yarleton, who was instructed to promote 
the wishes of Great Britain, for an accommoda- 
tion with the United States. 

In accordance with these instructions, Sir 
Guy Carleton endeavoured to open a corres- 
pondence with congress, and with this view sent 
to Gen. Wa.shin«fon to solicit a passport for his 
secretary. But this wns refused, since con- 
gress would enter into no nsafociations but in 
concert with his most Christian Majesty. 

Section LXXXI. Tlie French court, on re- 



PERIOD V....1779....17S3...JIEVOLUTION. 241 

ceiving intelligence of the surrender of Corn" 
wallis, pressed upon congress the appointment 
of commissioners for negotiating peace with 
Great Britain. Accordingly, John Adams, Ben- 
jamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, 
were appointed. These commissioners met 
Mr. Fitzherbet and Mr. Oswald, on the part of 
Great Britain, at Paris, and provisional articles 
of peace between the two countries were signed, 
November 30th, 1782. The definitive treaty 
was signed on the 30th of September, 1783. 

Although the definitive treaty was not signed 
until September, there had been no act of hos- 
tihty between the two armies, and a state of 
peace had actually existed from the commence- 
ment of the year 1 783. A formal proclamation 
of the cessation of hostilities was made through 
the army on the 19th of April, — Savannah was 
evacuated in July, New- York, in November, and 
Charleston, in the following month. 

Section LXXXII. The third of November 
was fixed upon by congress, for disbanding the 
army of the United States. On the day previous^ 
Washington issued his farewell orders, and birl 
an affectionate adieu to the soldiers, who h3<i3 
fought and bled by his sjde. 

After mentioning the trying times through which he had 
passed, and the unexampled patience which, under t-very cir- 
cumstdnce of suffering, his army had evinced, he passed to lh<* 
glor!')US prospects opening before them, and their country — and 
ther bade them adieu in the following words : " Being now ti/i 
conclude these his last publick. orders, to take his ultimate leave 
in a short time of the military ch\racter, and to bid a final adieu 
to the armies he has so long had the honour to command !« 
can only again offer in their behalf, his recommendations to 
tlieir grateful country, and his prayer to the God of armies. 

"May ample justice be done them here, and may the 
choicest favour, both here and hereafter, attend those, whoj 
under the divine auspices, h ve secured innuixerabie blessings 

21 



242 PERIOD V....1773....I783....REVOLUTION. 

for others ! With these wishes, and this benediction, the com* 
mander in chief is about to retire from service. The curtain of 
separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him 
wUl be closed for ever." 

Section LXXXIII. Soon after taking leave 
of the army, Gen. Washington was called to the 
still more painful hour of separation from his 
officers, greatly endeared to him by a long series 
of coraraon sufferings and dangers. 

The officers bavins: previously assembled in New- York for 
the purpose, Gen. Washington now joined them, and calling for 
a glass of wine, thus addressed them : " With a heart full oi 
love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you. \ most de- 
voutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and 
happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honour- 
able." 

Having thus affectionately addressed them, he now took each 
by the hand and bade him farewell. Followed by them to the 
side of the Hudson, he entered a barge, and, while tears rolled 
down his che(-ks, he turned towards the companions of his 
glory, and bade them a silent adieu. 

Section LXXXIV. December 23, Washing- 
ton appeared in the hall of congress, and re- 
signed to them the connnission which thc^y had 
given him, as commander in chief of the armies 
of the United States. 

After having spoken of the accomplishment of his wishes 
and exertions, in the independence of his country, and com- 
mended his officers and soldiers to Congress, he concluded as 
follows : 

" I consider it an indispensable duty to close the last solemn 
act of my official life, by commen'ling the interests of our dear- 
est country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who 
have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping. 

'' Having now finished the work assigned me, 1 retire from 
the gr«at theatre of action; and, bidding an affectionate lure- 
well t' ^his august bod} , under whose orders I have long acted, 
I here offer my commission, and talie my leave of all the em- 
ployments of publick life." 

Sectiofi LXXXV. Upon accepting his com- 
misssion, congress, through their president, ex- 
pressed in glowing language to Washington, 



PERIOD V....1773....1783....11EVOLUTION. 243 

their high sense of his wisdom and energy, in 

conducting the war to so happy a termination, 

and invoked the choicest blessings upon his 

future hfe. 

President Mifflin concluded as follows: "We join you in 
toramending the interests of our doarest country to the pi'otec« 
tion of Almighty God, beseeching Him to dispose the hearts anil 
minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them 
of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you, we 
address to Him our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved, may 
be fostered with all His care ; that your days may be as happy 
as they have been illustrious ; and that He wih finally give jou 
that reward which this world cannot give." 

A profound silence now pervaded the assem- 
bly. The grandeur of the scene, the recol- 
lection of the past, the felicity of the present, 
and the hopes of the future, crowded fast upon 
all, while they united in invoking blessings upon 
the man, who, under God, had achieved so 
much, and who now, in the character of a mere 
citizen, was Iiastening to a long desired repose 
at his seat, at Mount Vernon, in Virginia. 



Section LXXXVI. g^^,nittVn. At the 
commencement of tiie revolution, the colonists 
of America were a mass of husbandmen, mer- 
chants, mechanicks, and fishermen, who were 
occupied in the ordinary avocations of their re- 
spective callings, and were entitled to the 
appellation of a sober, honest, and industrious 
set of people. Being, however, under the con- 
trol of a country, whose jealousies weie early 
and strongly enlisted against them, and which, 
therefore, was eager to repress every attempt, 
on their part, to rise, they had comparatively 



244 PERIOD V..-17TS....1783....REVOLUTION. 

little scope or encouragement, for exertion and 
enterprise. 

But, when the struggle for independence 
began, the case was altered. New fields for ex- 
ertion were opened, and new and still stronger 
impulses actuated their bosoms. A great 
change was suddenly wrought in the American 
people, and a vast expansion of character took 
place. Those who were before only known in 
the humble sphere of peaceful occupation, soon 
shone forth in the cabinet or in the field, fully 
qualified to cope with the trained generals and 
Statesmen of Europe. 

But, although the revolution caused such an 
expansion of character in the American people, 
and called forth {he most striking patriotisra 
among all classes, it introduced, at the same 
tmie, greater looseness of manners and morals. 
An army aiwavs carries deep vices in its train, 
and communicates its corruption to society 
around it. Besides this, the failure of publick 
credit so far put it out of the power of individuals 
10 perform private engagements, that the breach 
of them became common, and, at length, was 
scarcely disgraceful. That high sense of in- 
tegrity, which had extensively existed before, 
was thus exchanged for more loose and slippery 
notions of honesty and honour. 

On the whole, says Dr. Ramsay, who wrote soon after tha 
dose of this period, " the literary, political, and military talents 
of the llnited States, have been improved by the revolution, but 
their moral character is inferiour to what it formerly was. So 
great is the change for the worse," 'costinues he, *' that the 
friends o'' publick order are loudly called upon to exert their ut« 
most abuities, in extirpating the vicious principles and habits, 
•achich have taken deep root during the late convulsions." 



PERIOD V....1775....1783....REVOLUT10N. 245 

Seclmi LXXXVII. mtU^ion* During the 
revolution, the colonies being all united in one 
cause — a congress being assembled from all 
parts of America — and more frequent inter- 
course beiweeii different parts of the country 
being p/omoted by the shifting of the armies — 
local prejudices and sectarian asperities were 
obliterated ; religious controversy was sus- 
pended ; and bigotry softened. That spirit of 
intolerance, which had marked some portions of 
the country, was nearly done away. 

But, for these advantages, the revolution 
brought with it great disadvantages to religion 
in general. The atheistical philosophy, which 
\'d(\ been spread over France, and which would 
involve the whole subject of religion in the 
gloomy mists of skepticism — which acknow- 
ledges no distinction between right and wrong, 
and considers a future existence as a dream, 
that may or may not be realized — was thickly 
sown in the American army, by the French : 
and, uniting with the infidelity, which before had 
taken root in the country, produced a serious 
declension in the tone of religious feelings, 
among the American people. 

In addition to this, religious institutions during the war, were 
raiich neglected ; churches were demolished, or converted into 
barracks ; publick worship was often suspended ; and the cler- 
gy suffered severely, from the reduction of their salaries, caused 
by the depreciation of the circulating medium. 



* Dr. Ramsay, in classing those persons, in America, who were in fa- 
rour, and those who were opposed, to ths revolution, notices among the 
fornier, the Irish emigrants generally; the more enlightened GermMTU; the 
Presbyterians, and IruUpendents ; the opuUnt slave-uolders, in the southern 
States; and generally, the young, the artknt, the ambitious, and the enter' 
yrising, throughout the country Among those who were opposed to Uw 
revolution, were the Scotch emigrants, Q,ihtkers, Episcopalians, itWtT 0?d 
m{!>, and most of the rich, in the eastern and rAiidle Starts. 

21* 



240 PERIOD V ..1775-...IT83...JIEVOLUTION* 

Section LXXXVIU. ^XU^it atltT (STOItt^' 
VatXtt* During the war of the revolution, 
the commerce of the United States was inter- 
rupted, not only with Great Britain, but, in q 
great measure, with the rest of the world. The 
greater part of the shipping, belonging to the 
country, was destroyed by the enemy, or 
perished by a natural process of decay. 

Our coasts were so lined with British cruisers, as to render 
navigation too hazardous to be pursued to any considerable ex* 
tent. -Some privateers, however, were fitted out, which suo 
ceeded in capturing several valuable prizes, on board of which 
*rere arms, and other munitions of war. During the last three 
Vears of the war, an illicit trade to Spanish America was car 
ried on, but it was extremely limited. 

Section LXXXIX. ^0rfCttltttre» Agri- 
culture was greatly interrupted during this 
period, by the withdrawing of labourers to the 
camp — by the want of encouragement, fur- 
nished by exportation, and by the distractions 
which disturbed all the occupations of society. 

The army often suffered for the means of subsistence, and the 
cjfficers were sometimes forced to compel the inhabitants to fur- 
nish the soldiers food, in sufficient quantities to prevent their" 

soffering. 

Section xc. ^xtu anH JUaiittfactutrs* 

The trade with England, during this period, 
being interrupted by the war, the people of the 
United States were compelled to manufacture 
for themselves. Encouragement was given to 
all necessary manufactures, and the zeal, inge- 
nuity, and industry of the people, furnished the 
country with articles of prime necessity, and, in a. 
measure, supplied the place of a foreign market.. 
Such was the progress in arts and manufactures, 
during the period, that, after the return of peace, 
when an uninterrupted intercourse with England 
was again opened, some articles, which before 



PERIOD V....1775....17SS....REVOLUTION. 247 

were impovted altogether, were found so well 
anc so abundantly manufactured at home, that 
their importation was stopped. 

Section XCl. }JO|)Ulatlon. The increase 
of the people of the United States, during this 
period, was small. Few, if any, emigrants ar- 
rived in the country. Many of the inhabitants 
were slain in battle, and thousands of that class 
called toriesy left the land, who never returned* 
Perhaps we may fairly estimate the inhabitants 
of the country, about the close of this period^ 
1784, at three millions two hundred and fifty 
thousand. 

Section XCII. ^^ttCatfOH^ The interests 
of education suffered in common with other 
kindred interests, during the war. In several 
colleges, the course of instruction was. for a 
season, suspended ; the hall was exchanged by 
the students for the camp, and the gown for the 
sword and epaulette. 

a- Towards the conclusion of the war, two colleges were fouiid> 
ed — one in Maryland, in 1782, by the name of Washington 
college; the other, in 1783, in Pennsylvania, w^hich received 
the name of Dickinson college. The writer, whom we have 
quoted above, estimates the whole number of colleges ani 
academies in the United States, at the close of this period, at 
4hirty-siK. 

Utiltttionu. 

XCIII. The American Revolution is doubtless the most Ui-^ 
teresting event in the pages of modern history. Changes 
equally great, and convulsions equally violent, have often taken, 
place ; and the history of man tells us of many instances, iu 
which oppression, urged beyond endurance, has called firth 
the spirit of successful and triumphant resistance. But, in the 
event before us, we see feeble colonies, without an army — with'* 
out a navy — without an established government- -without a 
revenue — without munitions of war — without fortifications 
b^^Sijf step ling forth to meet the veteran armies of » pruad^ 



248 TERIOD V....iy75....l783....IlEVOLUTlON. 

powerful, and vindictive enemy. We see these colonies ami Js) 
want, poverty, and misfortune — supported by the pervading 
spirit of liberty, and guided by the good hand of Heaven — foi 
nearly eight years sustaining the weight of a cruel conflict, upon 
their own soil. We see them at length victorious ; their ene- 
mies sullenly retire from their shores, and these humble colonies 
stand forth enrolled on the page of history — a free, sovereign, 
and independent nation. Nor is this all. We see a wise gov- 
ernment springing up from the blood that was spilt, and, down 
to our own time, shedding the choicest political blessings upon 
several millions of people ! 

What nation can dwell with more just satisfaction upon its 
annals, than ours ? Almost all others trace their foundation to 
some ambitious and bloody conquerer, who sought only, by en- 
slaving others, to aggrandize himself. Our independence was 
won by the people^ who fought for the natural rights of man. 
Other nations have left their annals stained with the crimes of 
their people and princes ; ours shines with the glowing traces 
ef patriotism, constancy, and courage, amidst every rank of 
life, and every grade of office. 

Whenever we advert to this portion of our history, and re- 
view it, as we well may with patriotick interest, let us not forget 
the gi-atitude we owe, as well to those who " fought, and bled, 
and died" for us, as that benignant Providence, who stayed the 
proud waves of British tyranny. 

Let us also gather political wisdom from the American revo- 
lution. It has taught the world, emphatically, that oppression 
tends to weaken and destroy the power of the oppressor ; that 
a people united in the cause of liberty are invincible by those 
who would enslave them ; and that Heaven will ever frown 
upon the cause of injustice, and ultimately grant success to those 
who oppose it. 



UNITED STATES* 



DISTINGUISHED FOR THE FORMATION AND ESTAB- 
LISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, 

Extending from the disbanding of the armtj, 
178S, to the inauguration of George Wash- 
ington, as president of the United States, 
under the Federal Constitution, 1789. 

Section I. During the revolutionary war, the 
American people looked forward to a state of 
peace, independence, nnd self-government, as 
almost necessarily ensuring every possible bless- 
ing. A short time was sufficient, however, to 
demonstrate that soniething. not yet possessed 
was necessary to realize the private and publick 
prosperity that had been anticipated. After a 
short struj,gle so to administer the existing sys- 
tem of government, as to make it competent to 
the great objects for which it was instituted, it 
became apparent that some other system must 
he substituted, or a general wreck of all that 
had been gained would ensue. 

Section II. At the close of the war, the debts* 
0? the Union were computed to amount to some- 
what more than forty millions of dollars. By 



* These debts were of two kinds, foreign and domestick. The foreign 
debt amounted to near eight millions of dollars, and was due to indivi- 
duals in France — ^to the crown of France — to lenders in Holland and 
Spain. The domestick debt amounted to some more than thirty-four 
millions of dollars, and was due to persons who held loan office certifi- 
cates — to the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary army, &c. 



Att. 



250 PBRIOD VI...1783.M.1789....ESTABLISHMENT OF 

the articles of confederation and union between 
the States, congress had the power to declare 
war, and borrow money, or issue bills of credit to 
carry it on ; but it had not the ability to dis- 
charge debts, incurred by the war. AH thai 
congress could do, was to recommend to the 
individual States to raise money for that pur- 
pose. 

Soon after the war, the attention of congress 
was drawn to this subject ; the payment of the 
national debt being a matter of justice to cre- 
ditors, as well as of vital importance to the pre- 
servation of the Union. It was proposed, 
therefore, by congress, to the States, that they 
should grant to thai body the power of laying a 
duty of five percent, on all foreign goods, which 
should be imported, and that the revenue 
arising thence should be applied to the dimi- 
nution of the publick debt, until it was extin- 
guished. 

To this proposal, most of the States assented, 
and passed in act, granting the prwer. Bui 
Rhode-Island, apprehensive that such a grant 
would lessen the advantages of her trade, de- 
clined passing an act for that purpose. Subse- 
quently, New-York joined in the opposition, 
and rendered all prospect of raising a revenue, 
in this way, hopeless. 

The consequence was, that even the interest 
of the publick debt remained unpaid. Certifi- 
cates of public debt lost their credit, and many 
of the officers and soldiers of the late army, who 
were poor, were compelled to sell these certifi- 
cates at excessive reductions. 

Section III. While the friends of the na- 
tional government were making unavailing ef- 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 251 

foJ'ts to fix upon a permanent revenue, which 
might enable it to preserve the national faith) 
other causes, besides the loss of confidence in 
the confederation, concurred to hasten a radi- 
cal change in the political system of the United 
States. 

Among these causes, the principal was the 
evil resulting from the restrictions of Great Bri- 
tain, laid on the trade of the United States with 
the West Indies ; the ports of those islands 
being shut against the vessels of the United 
States, and enormous duties imposed on our 
most valuable exports. 

Had congress possessed the power, a remedy 
might have been found, in passing similar acts 
against Great Britain ; but this power had not 
been delegated by the States to the congress. 
That thirteen independent sovereignties, always 
jealous of one another, would separately concur 
in any proper measures to compel Great Britain 
to relax, was not to be expected. The im- 
portance of an enlargement of the powers of 
congress was thus rendered still more obvious. 

Section IV. During this enfeebled and disor- 
ganized state of the general government, at- 
tempts were made, in some of the states, to 
maintain their credit, and to satisfy their credi- 
tors. The attempt of Massachusetts to affect 
this, by means of a heavy tax, produced an open 
insurrection among the people. In some parts 
of the State, the people convened in tumultuous 
assemblies — obstructed the sitting of courts, and, 
finally, took arms in opposition to the laws of 
the State. The prudent measures of Gov. Bow- 
doin and his council, seconded by an armed force» 
under Gen. Linco'n, in the winter of 1 786, gra- 



252 PERIOD VI....1783....1789.,..ESTABLISHMENT 

dually subdued the spirit of opposition, and re 
stored the authority of the laws. 

This rising of the people of Massachusetts is usually styled 
S/mys' insurrection, from one Daniel Shays, a captain in the 
revolutionary army, who headed the insurgents. In Augiis^, 
1786, fifteen hundred insurgents assembled at Northamj ton, 
took possession of the court-house, and prevented the session of 
the court. Similar outrages occurred at Worcester, Conconlj 
Taunton, and Springfield. In New-Hampshire, also a body uf 
inen arose in September, and surrounding the general assembly, 
sitting at Exeter, held them prisoners for several hours. 

In this state of civil commotion, a body of troops, to the num^ 
ber of four thousand, was ordered out by Massachusetts, to sup"« 
port the judicial courts, and suppress the insurrection. TJii& 
force was put under the command of General Lincoln. Ano™ 
ther body nl trooj'S w;<s collected by Gen. Shepherd, near Spring- 
field. After some skirmishing, the insurgents were dispell, d J 
several were taken prisoners and condemned, but were ultimately 
pardoned. 

Section V. The period seemed to have arriv- 
ed, when it was to be decided whether the gene- 
ral government was to be supported or aban- 
doned — whetlier the glorious objects of the re- 
volutionary struggle should be realized or lost. 

In January, 1786, the legislature of Virginia 
adopted a resolution to appoint commissioners, 
who were to meet such others, as might be ap- 
pointed by tne other States, to take into consid- 
eration the subject of trade, and to provide for 
a uniform system of commercial relations, &c. 
This resolution, ultimately, led to a proposition 
for a general convention to consider the state of 
the union. 

But five States were represented in the con 
vention, proposed by Virginia, which met at An- 
napolis. In consideration of the small number 
of States represented, the convention, without 
coming to any specific resolution on the paticu- 
lar subjects referred to them, adjourned to meet 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 255 

in Philadelphia, the succeeding May. Pre- 
viously to adjournment, it recommended to the 
several States, to appoint delegates for that 
meeting, and to give them power to revise the 
federal system. 

Agreeably to the above recommendation, all 
the States of the Union, excepting Rhode-Island, 
appointed commissioners, who, on the 19th of 
May, assembled at Philadelphia. 

Of this body. Gen. Washington, one of the 
commissioners from Virginia, was unanimously 
elected president. The convention proceeded, 
with closed doors, to discuss the interesting sub- 
ject submitted to their consideration. 

Section VI. On the great principles which 
should form the basis of the constitution, not 
much difference of opinion prevailed. But, in 
reducing those principles to practical details, less 
harmony was to be expected. Such, indeed, 
was the difference of opinion, that, more than 
once, there was reason to fear, that the conven- 
tion would rise, without effecting the object for 
which it was formed. Happily, however, it was 
at length agreed to sacrifice local interest on the 
altar of publick good, and on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 1787, the Federal CoNSxixunoN was 
presented to congress, who, shortly afiter, sent it 
to the several States for their consideration. 

A.n abstract of this constitution, with its several subsequent 
amendments, follows : it is extracted from Mr. Webster's Ele- 
ments of Useful Knowledge. 

Of the Legislature, " The legislative power of the United 
States is vested in a congress, consisting of two houses or branches, 
a senate, and a house of representatives. The members of the 
house of representatives are chosen once in two years, by the 
persons who are qualified to vote for members of the most nu- 
merous branches of the legislature, in each State. To be en- 
titled to a seat in this house, a person must have attained to the 



•54 PERIOD T....1783....1789....ESTABL1SHM&NT OF 

age of tweniy-^ve years, been a citizen of the United States for 
«ev«n years, and be an inhabitant of the State in which he is 
chosen. 

OJ the Senate. " The senate consists of two senators from 
each State, chosen by the legislature for six years. The senate 
is divided into three classes, the seats of one of which are va- 
cated every second year. If a vacancy happens, during the 
recess of the legislature, the executive of the state makes a tem- 
porary appointment of a senator, until the next meeting of the 
legislature. A senator must have attained to the age of thirty 
years, bee»i a citizen of the United States nine years, and be an 
inhabitant of the State for which he is chosen. 

Of the potoers of the two Houses. " The house of repre- 
sentatives choose their own speaker and other officers, and 
have the wxciusive power of impeaching public officers, and 
originating bills for raising a revenue. The vice president oJ 
the United States is president of the senate ; but the other offi 
cers are chosen by the senate. The senate tries all impeach- 
ments ; each house determines the validity of the elections and 
qualifications of its own members, forms its own rules, and 
keeps a journal of its proceedings. The members are privileg- 
ed from arrest, while attending on the session, going to, or re- 
turning from the same, except for treason, felony, or breach of 
the peace. 

Of the powers of Congress. " The Congress of the United 
States have power to make and enforce all laws, which are 
necessary for the general we! re — as to lay and collect taxes, 
imposts, and excises ; borrow money, regulate commerce, esta- 
blish uniform rules of naturalization, coin money, establish post 
roads and post-offices, promote the arts and sciences, institute 
tribunals inferiour to the supreme court, define and punish 
piracy, declare war, and make reprisals, raise and support 
armies, prov5.de a navy, regulate the militia, and to make all 
laws necessary to carry these powers into effect. 

Of Restrictions. " No bill of attainder, or retrospective 
law, shall be passed ; the writ of habeas corpus cannot be sus- 
pended, except in cases of rebellion or invasion ; no direct tax 
can be laid, except according to a census of the inhabitants ; no 
duty can be laid on exports, no money can be drawn from the 
treasury, unless appropriated by law ; no title of nobility can 
be granted, nor can any publick officer, without the consent of 
congress, accept of any present or title from any foreign prince 
or state. The States are restrained from emitting bills of credit, 
from making any thing but gold or silver a tender for debts, and 
from passing any law impairing private contracts. 

Of the Executive. " The executive power of the United 



TjEUV FEPCRAL CONSTITUTION. 355 

States 13 vested in a president, who holds his office for fiouf 
years. To qualify a man fur piesident, he must have lM>en a 
citizen at the adoption of the constitution, or must be a natiw 
of the Unifd States; he must have attained to the age of 
thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the 
Ifeited States. The president and vice-president are chosen 
oy electors designated in such a manner as the legislature ot 
each State shall direct. The number of electors, in each 
State is equal to the whole number of senators and represents* 
tives. • 

Of the powers of the President. " The president ot the 
United States is commander in chief of the army and navy, and 
of the militia when in actual service. He grants reprieves and 
pardons ; nominates, and, with the consent of the senate, ap- 
points ambassadors, judges, and Dther officers ; and, with the 
advice and consent of the senate, forms treaties, provided two 
thirds of the senate cigree. He fills vacancies in offices which 
happen during the recess of the senate. He convenes the con- 
gress on extraordinary occasions, receives foreign ministers, 
gives information to congress of th* state of publick attairs, and 
in general, takes care that the laws be faithfully executed. 

Of the Judiciary. " The Judiciary of the Un'ted States 
consists of one supreme court, and such inferiour c< urts as the 
congress shall ordain. The judges ar- to hold their otfices du- 
ring good behaviour, and their salaries cannot be diminished 
during their continuance in office. The judicial power of tiiese 
courts extends to all cases in law and equity, arising under the 
constitution, or laws of the United States, and under treaties ; to 
cases of publick ministers and consuls ; to all rases of admiralty 
and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies betw^-en the States. 
and in which the United Slates are a party ; between citizens of 
different States ; between a State and a citizen of another State, 
and between citizens of the same State, claiming under grants 
jf different States ; and to causes between one of the States or 
an American citizen, and a foreign State or citizen 

Of Rights and Immunities. " In all criminal trials, except 
impeachment, the trial by jury is guaranteed to the accused. 
Treason is restricted to the simple acts of levying war against 
the United States, and adhering to their enemies, giving them 
aid and comfort ; and no person can be convicted, but bj two 
witnesses to the same act. or by confession in open court. A 
conviction of treason is not followed by a corruption of blood, to 
disinherit the heirs of the criminal, nor by a forfeiture of estate, 
except during the life of the offender. The citizens of .eich 
State are entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in 
the several States. Congress may admit new States into the 



236 PERIOD V....1783....1789„. ESTABLISHMENT OF 

umoDy and the national compact guarantees, to each State, are> 
publican form of government, together with protection from fo« 
reign invasion and domestick violence." 

Section VII. By a resolution of the conven- 
tion, it was recommended that assemblies should 
be called, in the different States, to discuss the 
merits of the constitution, and either accept or 
reject i| ; and, that as soon as nine States should 
have ratified it, it fc^houla be carried into operation 
by congress. 

To decide ihe interesting question, respecting 
the adoption or rejection of the new constitution, 
the best talents of the several States were as- 
sembled in their respective conventions. The 
fate of the constitution could, for a time, be 
scarcely conjectured, so equally were the parties 
balanced. But, at length, the conventions of 
eleven States* assented to, and ratified the con- 
stitution. 

Section VIII. From the moment it was settled 
that this new arrangement, in their political sys- 
tem, was to take place, the attention of all class- 
es of people, as well anti-federalists as federal- 
ists, (for, by these names, the parties for and 
, against the new constitution were called,) was 
directed to General Washington, as the first 
president of the United States. Accordingly, on 
the opening of the votes, for President, at New- 
York, March 3d, 1 789, by delegates from eleven 
States, it was found that he was unanimously 
elected to that office, and that John Adams was 
elected vice-president. 



* North CaroUna and Rhode Isiand refused their assent at this time, bat 
%ltenrard9 acceded to it : the former, Noyember, 1789; the latter may, 
1790. 



THB FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 25" 

Section IX ^^nXitVU. The war of the 

revolution, as was observed in our notes on the 
last period, seriously affected the morals and 
manners of the people of the United States. 
The peace of 1 783, however, tended, in a mea- 
sure to restore things to their former state. 
Those sober habits, for which the country was 
previously distinguished, began to return ; busi- 
ness assumed a more regular and equitable cha- 
racter ; the tumultuous passions, roused by the 
war, subsided ; and men of wisdom and worth 
began to acquire their proper influence. 

The change wrought in the manners of the 
people, during the revolution, began, in this pe- 
riod, to appear. National peculiarities wore 
away still more ; local prejudices were further 
corrected, and a greater assimilation of the yet 
discordant materials, of which the population of 
the United States was composed, took place. 

Section X. S^flfslOM* Methodism was 
introduced into the United States, during this 
period, under the direction of John Wesley, in 
England. This denomination increased rapidly 
in the Middle States, and, in 1789, they amount- 
ed to about fifty thousand. 

During this period, also, the infidelity, which we have notic-. 
ed, seems to have lost ground. Publick worship was more punc- 
tually attended, than during the war, and the cause of religion 
began again to flourish. 

Section XL S^ra^e anH <gtottitntrce. 

The commerce of the United States, during the 
war of the revolution, as already stated, was 
nearly destroyed ; but, oji the return of peace, 
it revived. An excessive importation of goods 
immediately took place from England. In 1784» 



258 PERIOD VI....1783....1789.. .ESTABLISHMENT OF 

the imports, from England alone, amounted to 
eighteen millions of dollars, and in 1785, to 
twelve millions — making, in those two years, 
thirty millions of dollars, while the exports of 
the United States to England were only between 
eight and nine millions. 

On the average of six years posterior to the war, the extent of 
this period, the imports from Great Britain into the United 
States, were two millions, one hundred and nineteen thousand, 
eight hundred and thirty-seven pounds sterling; the exports 
nine liundred and eight tlwusand, six hundred and thirty-six 
pounds sterling, leaving an annual balance of five millions, three 
hundred and twenty-nine thousand, two hundred and eighty- 
four dollars in favour of Great Britain. 

The commercial intercourse of the United States with other 
countries was less extensive, than with England, yet it was not 
inconsiderable. From France and her dependencies, the United 
States imported, in 1787, to the amount of about two millions, 
five hundred thousand dollars, and exported to the same, to the 
value of five millions dollars. 

The trade of the United States with China commenced soon 
after the close of the revolutionary war. The first American 
vessel that went on a trading voyage to China, sailed from 
New- York, on the 22d of February, 1784, and returned on the 
lllh of May 1785. In 1789 there were fifteen American ves- 
sels at Canton, being a greater number, than from any other na- 
tion, except Great Britain. 

During this period, also, the Americans commenced the long 
and hazardous trading voyages to the North West Coast of Ame- 
rica. The first of the kind, undertaken from the United States, 
was from Boston, in 1788, in a ship commanded by Capt. Ken- 
drick. The trade afforded great profits, at first, and since 1788, 
has been carried on from the United States to a considerable 
extent. 

The whale fishery, which during the war, was suspended, re- 
vived on the return of peace. From 1787 to 1789, both inclu- 
sive, ninety-one vessels were employed from the United States, 
with one thousand six hundred and eleven seamen. Nearly 
eight thousand barrels of sperm acity oil were annually taken, 
and about thirteen thousand barrels of whale oil. 

Small quantities of cotton were first exported from the United 
States about the year 1784. It was raised in Georgia. 

Section XII. ^grfCttUUtt* Agriculture 
revived at the close of the war, and, in a few 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 25^ 

years, the exports of produce raised in the Uni 
ted States were again considerable. Attention 
began to be paid to the culture of cotton, in the 
southern States, about the year 1 783, and it soon 
became a staple of that part of the country. 
About the same time, agricultural societies be- 
gan to be formed in the country. 

SectionXiii. ^vtu atOt M^tiufattnvt&^ 

The excessive importation of merchandize from 
Great Britain, during this period — much of which 
was sold at low prices — checked the progress of 
manufactures in the United States, which had 
been extensively begun, during the war of the 
revolution. Iron works, however, for the con- 
struction of axes, ironing of carriages, and the 
making of machinery, Slc. &c. were still kept up 
in all parts of the United States. Some coarse 
woollen and linen cloths, cabinet furniture, and 
the more bulky and simple utensils for domes- 
tick use, ifcc. &c. were manufactured, in New- 
England. 

Section XIV. ]}0)IUla(tfOn« The population 
of the United States, at the close of this period, 
was nearly four millions. 

Section XV. l2tl^UC^tiOtf« Several colleges 
were established, during this period — one in 
Maryland, at Annapolis, called St. John's col- 
lege ; a second, in 1 785, at Abington, in the 
same state, by the Methodists, called Cokesbury 
college ; a third, in the city of New- York ; and 
a fourth, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1787 
— The former, by the name of Columbia college, 
and the latter, by that of Franklin college. 
The North Carolina university was incorporated 
in 1789. 

The subject of education, during this period^ 



260 PERIOD VI....1783..».t789....ESTABLISHMENT OF 

seems to have attracted publick attention 
throughout the United States, and permanent in- 
stitutions, for the instruction of youth, were 
either planned, or established, in every section 
of the country. 

XVI. The history of the world furnishes no parallel to the 
history of the United States during this short period. At the 
commencement of it, they had but just emerged from iV'xng and 
distressing war, which had nearly exhausted the country, and 
imposed an accumulated debt upon the nation. They were 
united by a confederation inadequate to the purposes of govern- 
ment ; they had just disbanded an army which was unpaid, and 
dissatisfied, and more than all, they were untried in the art ol 
self-government. 

In circumstances like these, it would not have been strange 
had the people fallen into dissensions and anarchy, or had some 
bold, ambitious spirit arisen, and fastened the yoke of monarchy 
upon them. But a happier destiny awaited them. In this hour 
of peril, the same Providence, that had guided them thus far, 
still watched over them, and, as victory was granted them in 
the hour of battle, so wisdom was now vouchsafed in a day of 
peace. Those master spirits of the revolution, some of whom 
had recently retired from the camp to the enjoyment of civil 
life, were now called to devise the means of securing the inde- 
pendence which they had won. Perhaps they exhibited to the 
world a no less striking spectacle as the framers of our excel- 
lent constitution, than as victors over the arms of Britain. 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED BY WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRA- 
TION. 

Extending from the inauguration of President 
Washington, 1789, to the inauguratimi of 
John Adams i as president of the United States^ 
1797. 

Section I. On the 30th of April, 1789, Gen. 
Washington, in the presence ofihe first congress, 
under the Federal Constitution, and before an 
immense concourse of spectators, was inducted 
into the office of President uf the United States, 
by taking the oath prescribed by the constitu- 
tion. 

'-liitelligence of his election was communicated to Washington, 
while on his farm in Virginia. On his way to New- York, to 
enter upon the duties of hi>. station, he received, in almost every 
place throuph which he passed, the highest expressions of affec- 
tion and respect, that a grateful people could pay. 

Soon after his arrival in New- York, a day was assigned for his 
taking the oath of office. (Jn the morning of that day, publick 
prayers were offered in all the churches. At noon, a procession 
was formed, which escorted Washington, dressed on the occa- 
sion wholly in American manufactures, to Federal Hall. Here 
the oath prescribed by the constitution was administered to him, 
by the chancellour of the State of New-York. 

The ceremonies of the inauguration being concluded, W^ash- 
ington entered the senate chamber, and delivered his first speech. 
In this, after expressing the reluctance with which he obeyed the 
call of his countrymen, from repose and retirement, so ardently 
coveted, after a series of military toils, and the diffidence with 
which he entered upon an office, so full of responsibility, he pro- 
ceeded thus : 

" It will be peculiarly improper to omit, in this ^rst official 



262 PERIOD VII....1789....1797. 

act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who 
rules over the universe ; who presides in the councils of nations," 
&c. Thus did Washington, in the commencement of his ad- 
ministration, publickly appear on the side of religion ; nor was 
he ashamed to acknowledge, before the nation, his sense of dfr- 
pendence upon God, for wisdom and direction. 

Section II. Business of importance, in rela 
tion to the organization and support of the new 
government, now pressed upon the attention of 
the president, and of congress. A revenue was 
to be provided ; the departments of government 
were to be arranged and filled ; a judiciary was 
to be estabiished, and its officers appointed 
and provision was to be made for the support of 
publick credit. 

After a long discussion, congress agreed tc 
raise a revenue for the support of government 
by impost and tonnage duties. Having next 
fixed upon, and arranged the several depart- 
ments of the government, the president, whose 
duty it was, proceeded to nominate the proper 
persons to fill them. In performing this ser- 
vice, he appears to have been actuated, simply, 
by a regard to the best good of the country. 

Mr. Jefierson was selected for the department 
of State ; Col. Hamilton was appointed secre- 
tary of the treasury ; Gen. Knox secretary of 
war, and Edmund Randolph attorney general. 
At the head of the judiciary was placed John 
Jay, and with him were appointed John Rut- 
ledge, James Wilson, William Gushing, Robert 
Harrison, and John Blair. 

During this session of congress, several new 
articles were proposed to be added to the con- 
stitution, by way of amendment, and to be sub 
mitted to the several States for their appro 
bation. 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 263 

After a long and animated discussion of the 
subject, twelve new articles were agreed upon, 
which, when submitted to the respective State 
legislatures, were approved by three-fourths of 
them, and were thus added to the constitution. 

Congress adjourned on the 29th of Septem- 
ber. It was among their concluding acts, to 
direct the secretary of the treasury to prepare a 
plan for adequately providing for the support of 
the public credit, and to report the same at their 
next meeting. 

Section III. During the recess of congress, 
Washington made a tour into New-England. 
Passing through Connecticut and Massachu- 
setts, and into New-Hampshire, as far as Ports- 
mouth, he returned by a different route to New- 
York. 

With this excursion, the president had much reason to be gra- 
tified. To observe the progress of society, the improvements 
in agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, and the temper, 
circumstances, and dispositions of the people — while it could 
not fail to please an intelligent and benevolent mind, was, in all 
respects, worthy of the chief magistrate of the nation. He was 
every where received with expressions of the purest affection, 
and could not fail to rejoice in the virtue, religion, happiness, 
and prosperity of the people, at the head of whose government 
ne was placed. 

Section IV. The second session of the first 
congress commenced, January 8th, 1790. In 
obedience to the resolution of the former con- 
gress, the secretary of the treasury, Mr. Hamil- 
ton, made his report on the subject of main- 
taining the public credit. 

In this report, he strongly recommended to 
eongress, as the only mode, in his opinion, in 
which the public credit would be supported : 

1. That provision be made for the full dlsh 



264 PERIOD VII.-.iy89....l797. 

charge of the foreign debt, according to the 
precise terms of the contract. 

2. That provision be made for the payment 
of the domestick debt, in a similar manner. 

3 That the debts of the several States, 
created for the purpose of carrying on the war, 
be assumed by the general government. 

The proposal for making adequate provision 
for the foreign debt was met, cordially and una- 
nimously; but, respecting the full discharge of 
the domestic debt, and the assumption of the 
State debts, much division prevailed in con- 
gress. After a spirited and protracted debate 
on these subjects, the recommendation of the 
secretary prevailed, and bills conformable 
thereto passed, by a small majority. 

The division of sentiment among the members of congiess, in 
relation to the full, or only a partial payment of the domestick 
debt, arose from this. A considerable proportion of the origin- 
al holders of publick securities had found it necessary to sell 
them, at a reduced price — even as low as tv/o or three shillings 
on the pound. These securities had been purchased by specu- 
lators, with the expectation of ultimately receiving the full 
amount. Under these circumstances, it was contended by 
some, that congress would perform their duty, should they pay 
to all holders of publick securities only the reduced market price. 
Others advocated a discrimination between the present holders 
of securities, and those to whom the debt v/as originally due, 
&c. &c. 

In his report, Mr. Hamilton ably examined these several 
points, and strongly maintained the justice of paying to all 
holders of securities, without discrimination, the full value ot 
what appeared on the face of their certificates. This he con- 
tended, justice demanded, and for this, the publick faith was 
pledged. 

By the opposers of the bill, which i elated to the assumption 
(tf the State debts, the constitutional authority of the federsO 
government for this purpose was questioned ; and the policy 
and justice of the measure controverted. 

To cancel the several debts which congress 
ilius undertook to discharge, the proceeds ol 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 260 

publick lands, lying in the western territory, 
were directed to be applied, together with the 
surplus revenue, and a loan of two millions of 
dollars, which the president was authorized to 
borrow, at an interest of five per cent. 

This measure laid the foundation of publick 
credit upon such a basis, that government paper 
soon rose from two shillings and six pence to 
twenty shillings on the pound, and, indt , for 
a short time, was above par. Individuals, who 
had purchased certificates of public debt low, 
realized immense fortunes. A general spring 
was given to the affairs of the nation. A spirit 
of enterprise, of agriculture, and commerce, 
universally prevailed, and the foundation was 
thus laid for that unrivalled prosperity which the 
United States, in subsequent years, enjoyed. 

Section V. During this session of congress, 
a bill was passed, fixing the seat of government 
for ten years at Phifedelphia, and, from and 
after that time, permanently at Washington, on 
the Potomac. 

Section VI. On the 4th of March, 1791, Ver- 
mont, by consent of congress, became one of 
the United States. 

The tract of country, wliich is now known by the name of 
Vermont, was settled at a much later period, than any other of 
the eastern states. The governments of New-York and Massa- 
chusetts made large grants of territory in the direction of Ver- 
mont ; but it was not until 172^, that any actual possession was 
taken of land, withtn the present boundaries o' 'ie State. In 
that year, Fort Durance was built, by the officers of Massachu 
setts, on Connecticut river. On the other side of the state, thp 
French advanced up lake Champlain, and, in 1731, built 
Crown Point, and began a settlement on the eastern shore ot 
the lake. 

Vermont being siipposed to fall within the limits of New 
Hampshire, that government made large grants of land to sett- 
lers, even west of Connecticut river. New- York, however, con- 

23 



3^ TERIOD VII»m1T89....1797. 

caved herself to have a better right to the territory, in conse- 
quence of the grant of Charles II. to his brother the duke of 
York. These states being thus at issue, the case was submitted 
to the English crown, which decided in favour of New- York, 
and confirmed its jurisdiction, as far as Connecticut river. In 
this decision New Hampshire acquiesced ; but New-York per- 
sisting in its claims to land east of the river, actions of eject- 
ment were instituted in the courts at Albany, which resulted in 
favour of the New-York title. The settlers, however, deter- 
mined to resist the officers of justice, and under Ethan Allen, 
associated together to oppose the New-York militia, which were 
called out to enforce the laws. 

On the commencement of the revolution, the people of Ver- 
mont were placed in an embarrassing situation. They had no» 
even a form of government. The jurisdiction of New- York 
being disclaimed, and allegiance to the British crown refused, 
every thing was effected by voluntary agreement. In January, 
1777, a convention met and proclaimed that the district before 
known by the name of the New Hampshire grants, was of right 
a free and independent jurisdiction, and should be henceforth 
called New Connecticut, alias Vermont. The convention pro- 
ceeded to make known their proceedings to congress, and peti- 
tioned to be admitted into the confederacy. To this, New- 
York objected, and for a time, prevailed. Other difficulties 
arose with New Hampshire and Massachusetts, each of which 
laid claim to land within the present boundaries of the state. At 
the peace of 1783, Vermont found herself a sovereign and inde- 
pendent state de facto, united with no confederation and there- 
fore unembarrassed by the debts that weighed down the other 
states. New- York still claimed jurisdiction over the state, but 
was unable to enforce it, and the state government was admin- 
istered as regularly as in any of the other states. After the 
formation of the federal constitution, Vermont again requested 
admission into the Union. The opposition of New- York was 
still strong, but in 1789 was finally withdrawn, upon the con- 
sent of Vermont to pay her the sum of thirty thousand dollars. 
Thus terminated a controversy which had been carried on with 
animosity, and with injury to both parties, for twenty-six years. 
A convention vvas immediately called, by which it was resolved 
to join the federal union. Upon application to congress, their 
consent was readily given, and on the 4th of March, 1791, Ver- 
mont was added to the United States. 

Section VII. At the time that congress as- 
sumed the State debts, during their second ses- 
sion, the secretary of the treasury had recom- 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 267 

mended a tax on domestick spirits, to enable 
them to pay the interest. The discussion of the 
bill having been postponed to the third session, 
was early in that session taken up. The tax, 
contemplated by the bill, was opposed with 
great vehemence, by a majority of southern and 
western members, on the ground that it was un- 
necessary and unequal, and would be particu- 
larly burdensome upon those parts of the Union, 
which could not, without very great expense, 
procure foreign ardent spirits. Instead of this 
tax, these members proposed an increased duty 
on imported articles generally, a particular duty 
on molasses, a direct tax, or a tax on salaries, 
&c. &c. After giving rise to an angry and 
protracted debate, the bill passed, by a majority 
of thirty-five to twenty-one. 

Section VIII. The secretary next appeared 
with a recommendation for a national bank. 
A bill, conforming to his plan, being sent down 
from the senate, was permitted to progress, un- 
molested, in the house of representatives, to the 
third reading. On the final reading, an unex- 
pected opposition appeared against it, on the 
ground that banking systems were useless, that 
the proposed bill was defective, but, especially, 
tliat congress was not vested, by the constitu- 
tion, with the competent power to establish a 
national bank. 

These several objections were met by the 
supporters of the bill, with much strength ol 
argument. After a debate of great length, sup- 
ported with the ardour excited by the import- 
ance of the subject, the bill was carried in the 
affirmative, by a majority of nineteen voices. 



268 ERIOD V....1789....1797. 

A bill which had been agitated w hh so much warmth, in the 
house of reprt^sentatives, the executive was now called upon to 
examine with reference to its sanction or i ejection. The pre- 
sident required the opinions of the cabinet in writing. The se- 
cretary of state, Mr. Jefferson, and the attorney general, Mr. 
Randolph, considered the bill as decidedly unconstitutional. 
The secretary of the treasury, Mr. Hamilton, with equal deci 
sion, mauitained the opposite opinion. A deliberate investiga 
tion of the subject satisfied the president, both of the constitu 
tit)nality and utility of the bill, upon which he gave it his signa 
tare. 

Th'* bill which had now passed, with those relating to the fi 
nances of the country, the assumption of the state debts, the 
funding of the national debt, &c. <ontributed greatly to the rora- 
pleie organization of those distinct and visible parties, nhicli, in 
their long and ardent conflict for power, have since shaken the 
United States to their centre. 

Section IX. While matters of high importance 
were occupying the attention, and party strife 
and coniiicting interests were filling the coun- 
sels of congress with agitation, an Indian war 
open« d on tlh> north-western frontier iif the 
States. Pat-ifick arrangements had been at- 
tempted by the president with the hostile tribes, 
without effect. On the failure of these, an of- 
fensive expedition was planned against the 
tribes, northwest of the Ohio. 

The command of the troops, consisiiug of 
three hundred regulars, and about on(^ thousand 
two hundred Pennsylvania and Kentucky mi- 
litia, was given to Gen. Harmar, a veteran 
officer of the revolution. His instructions re- 
quired him, if possible, lo bring the Indians to 
an engagement ; but, in any event, to destroy 
their settlements, on the waters of the Scioto, 
a river falling into the Ohio, and the Wabash, 
in the Indiana territory. In this expedition, 
Harmar succeeded in destroying some villages, 
and a quantity of grain, belonging to the In 
dians ; but in an engagement with them, near 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 2^9 

Chilicothe, he was routed with considerable 
loss. 

Upon the failure of Gen. Harmar, Major-Ge- 
neral Arthur St. Clair was appointed to succeed 
him. Under the authority of an act of congress, 
the president caused a body of levies to be rais- 
ed for six months, for the Indian service. 

Section X. Having arranged the northwest- 
ern expedition, directing St. Clair to destroy 
the Indian villages, on the Miami, and to drive 
the savages from the Ohio, the president com- 
menced a tour through the southern States, simi- 
lar to that which he had made through the 
northern and central parts of the union, in 1789. 

The same ex[)ressions of respect and atfection awaited him, ir 
every stage of his tour, which had been so zealously accorded tc 
him in tlie north. Here, also, he enjoyed the high satisfaction 
of witnessing the most happy effects, resulting from the admi- 
nistration of that government over which he presided. 

Section XI. On the 24th of October, 1791, 
the second congress commenced its first session. 
Among the subjects that early engaged their 
attention, was a bill " for apportioning represen- 
tatives among the people of the several States, 
according to the first census." After much dis- 
cussion, concerning the ratio that should be 
adopted, between representation and population, 
congress finally fixed it at one representative to 
each State, for every thirty-three thousand in- 
habitants. 

The first bill fixed the ratio at one representative for evei-y 
thirty thousand inhabitants ; but to this bill the senate would 
not agree. A second bill was introduced, providing one repre- 
sentative for every thirty thousand, and dividing eight repre- 
sentatives among those States which had the greatest fractions. 
This bill the president returned to the house, whence it ori^nat- 
ed, as unconstitutional, as by it, eight States would send more 
representatives than their population allowed. 

Section XTI. In December, intelligence was 

23* 



270 PERIOD VI1....1789....1797. 

received by the president, that the army under 
Gen. St. Clair, in battle with the Indians, near 
the Miami, in Ohio, had been totally defeated on 
the 4th of the preceding month. 

The array of St. Clair amounted to near one thousand hve 
hundred men. The Indian force consisted of nearly the same 
number. Of the loss of the Indians, no estimate could be form- 
ed ; but the loss of the Americans was unusually severe ; thirty- 
eight commissioned officers were killed in the field, and five 
hundred and ninety-three non-commissioned officers and privates 
were slain and missing. Between two and three hundred offi- 
cers and privates were wounded, many of whom afterwards 
died. This result of the expedition was as unexpected, as un- 
fortunate ; but no want either of ability, zeal or intrepidity, was 
ascribed, by a committee of congress, appointed to examine the 
causes of its failure, to the commander of the expedition. 

Section XIII. Upon the news of St. Clair's 
defeat, a bill was introduced into congress for 
raising three additional regiments of infantry, 
and a squadron of cavalry, to serve for three 
years, if not sooner discharged. This bill, al- 
though finally carried, met with an opposition 
more warm and pointed, from the opposers of 
the administration, than any which had before 
been agitated in the house. 

By those who opposed the bill, it was urged that the war with 
the Indians was unjust ; that militia would answer as well, and 
even belter than regular troops, and would be less expensive to 
support ; that adequate funds could not be provided ; and more 
than all, that this addition of one regiment to the army after ano- 
ther gave fearful intimation of monarchical designs, on the part of 
those who administered the government. 

On the other hand, the advocates of the bill contended, that 
the war was a war of self defence ; that between the years 1783 
and 1790, not less than one thousand five hundred inhabitants 
of Kentuck}-, or emigrants to that country, and probably double 
that number, had been massacred by the Indians ; and that re- 
peated efforts had been made by the government to obtain a 
peace, notwithstanding which, the butcheries of the savages still 
continued in their most appalling forms. 

Section XIV. On the 8th of May, 1792, con- 
gress adjourned to the first Monday in Novem 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 271 

ber. The asperity which, on more than one 
occasion, had discovered itself in the course of 
debate, was a certain index of the growing ex- 
asperation of parties. With their adjournment, 
the conflicting feelings of members in a measure 
subsided; the opposition, however, to the admi- 
nistration, had become fixed. It was carried 
into retirement — was infused by members into 
their constituents, and a party was thus formed 
throughout the nation, hostile to the plans of 
government adopted by Washington, and his 
friends in the cabinet. 

Section XV. On the first of June, 1792, Ken- 
tucky, by act of congress, was admitted into 
the Union as a State. 

The country, now called Kentucky, was well known to the 
Indian traders, many years before its settlement. By whom it 
was first explored, is a matter of uncertainty, and has given rise 
to controversy. In 1752, a map was published by Lewis 
Evans, of the country on thf Ohio and Kentucky rivers; and 
it seems that one James ]Mac!ir"de, with others, visited this re- 
gion in 1754. No further attempt was made to explore the 
country until 1767, when John Finley of North Carolina, tra- 
velled over the ground on the Kentucky river, called by the In- 
dians, " the dark and bloody ground." On returning to Caro- 
lina, Finley communicated his discoveries to Col. Daniel Boone, 
who in 1769, with some others, undertook to explore the coun- 
try. After a long and fatiguing march, they discovered the 
beautiful valley of Kentucky. Col. Boone continued an inhabit 
ant of this wilderness until 1771, when he returned to his fa- 
mily for the purpose of removing them, and forming a settlement 
in the new country. In 1773, having made the necessary pre- 
parations, he set out again with five families and forty men, from 
Powell's Valley, and after various impediments, reached the 
Kentucky river, in March 1775, where he commenced a settle- 
ment. 

In the years, 1778, 1779, and 1780, a considerable number 
of persons emigrated to Kentucky ; yet, in this latter year, after 
an unusually severe winter, the inhabitants were so distressed 
that they came the determination of abandoning the country for 
ever. They were fortunately diverted from this step, by the ar- 
rival of emigrants. During the revolutionary war they suffered 



272 PERIOD VII....1789....I797. 

severely from the Indians, incited by the British government. 
Ill 1778, Gen. Clarke overcame the Indians, and laid waste 
their villages. From this time the inhabitants began to feel 
more secure, and the settlements were ex uded. In 1779, the 
legislature of Virginia, within whose limits 'his region lay, erect- 
ed it into a county. In 1782, a supreme ourt, with an attor- 
ney-general, was established within the district. In the years 
1783, 1784, and 1785, the district was laid out into counties, 
•and a great part of the country' surveyed and patented. In 1785, 
an attempt was made to form an independent State ; but a ma- 
jority of the inhabitants being opposed to the measure, it was 
delayed until December, 1790, when it became a separate state. 
In 1792, as stated above, it was admitted into the Union. 
The growth of Kentucky has been rapid, and she has obtained 
a respectable rank and influence among her sister States. 

Section XVI. During the recess of congress, 
preparations were hastened by the president, 
tor a vigorous prosecution of the war with the 
Indians ; but such small inducements were pre- 
sented to engage in the service, that a sufficient 
number of recruits could not be raised to autho- 
rize an expedition against them the present 
year. As the clamour against the war, by the 
opposers of the adminibtmtion, was still loud, 
the presidejitdeerned it advisable, while prepa- 
rations for hostilities were advancing, to make 
another effort at negotiation, with the un- 
friendly Indians. The charge of this business 
was committed to Col. Harden and Maj. Free- 
man, two brave officers, and valuable men, who 
were murdeied by the savages. 

Section XVII. On the opening of the next 
congress, in November, a motion was made to 
reduce the military establishment, but it did not 
prevail. The debate on this subject was pecu- 
liarly earnest, and the danger of standing ar- 
mies was powerfully urged. This motion, de 
signed as a reflection upon the executive, was 
followed by several resolutions, introduced by 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 27$ 

Mr. Giles, tending to criminate the secretary of 
the treasury, Mr. Hamilton, of misconduct, in re- 
lation to certain loans, negotiated under \\\s di* 
reciion. 

In three distinct reports, sent to the house, 
the secretary oliered every required explanation, 
and ably defended himself against the attacks 
of tlie opposition. Mr. Giles, and some others, 
however, were not satistied : other resolutions 
were, therefore, ottered, which, although re- 
jected, were designeu to fix upon the secretary 
the reputation of an ambitious man, aiming at 
the acquisition of dangerous power. 

During thesc- discussions, vehement attacks were made upon 
the secreta'^, in the publick prints. Hints also were suggested 
agaidist tne president himself; and although he was not openly 
atcuNed of being the head of the lederal party, of favouring their 
cairse, or designing to subvert the liberties of his country, yet it 
was apparent that such suspicions were entertained of him. 

On the 3d of March. 1793, a constitutional 
prriod was put to the existence of this congress. 
Tlie members separated with obvious symptoms 
of irritation ; and it was not to be doubted that 
their eftbrts wouhl be exerted to communicate 
to their ctmstituents the feelings which agitated 
their bosoms. 

Section XV III. The time had now arrived, 
1 ^93, when the electors of the fc^tates were again 
called upon to choose a chief magistrate of the 
Union. Washington had determined to with- 
hold himself from being again elected to the 
presidency, and to retire from the cares of poli- 
tical life. Various considerations, however, 
prevented the declaration of his wishes, and he 
was again unanimously elected to the chair of 
State. Mr. Adams was re-elected vice-pre- 
sident; 



274 PERIOD VII....1789....1797. 

Section XIX. Through the unceasing endea 
vours of the president to terminate the Indian 
war, a treaty had been negotiated with the In- 
dians, on the Wabash ; and through the inter- 
vention of the Six Nations, those of the Miamis 
had consented to a conference during the 
ensuing spring. Offensive operations were, 
therefore, suspended, although the recruiting 
service was industriously urged, and assiduous 
attention was paid to the discipline and prepa 
ration of the troops. 

section XX. The Indian war, though of real 
importance, was becoming an object of second- 
ary consideration. The revolution in France 
was now progressing, and began so to affect our 
relation with that country, as to require an ex- 
ertion of all the wisdom and firmness of the go- 
vernment. Early in April, also, information 
was received of the declaration of war by 
France, against England and Holland. 

This event excited the deepest interest in the 
United States. A large majority of the people, 
grateful for the aid that France had given us in 
our revolution, and devoted to the cause of li- 
berty, were united in fervent wishes for the suc- 
cess of the French republick.* At the same 



♦The revolution in France commenced about the year 1789. It seems 
to have been hastened, or brought on, by the new ideas of freedom, which 
had been imbibed by the French army in the United States, and thence 
disseminated among the people of France, for a long time ©ppressed and 
degraded by a despotick government. Unfortunately, the revolution fell 
into the hands of selfish and unprincipled men, who, in 1793, executed 
their king, Louis XVI. and, soon after, his family, and murdered or impri- 
Eoned those who were suspected of hostility to their views, and involved 
France in a scene of guilt and bloodshed, which cannot be contemplated 
without horrour. In the first stages of this revolution, the friends of li« 
berty throughout the world were full of hopes for a melioration of the po» 
liticai condition of France ; but these hopes were soon blasted by the san- 
(Hinary steps adopted by the revolutionista. Had they been men govera 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 275 

time, the prejudices against Great Britain, which 
had taken deep root during the revolution, now 
sprung forth afresh, and the voice of many was 
Heard, urging the propriety of the United States 
making a common cause with France against 
Great Britain. 

A pressing occurrence had called Washing- 
ton to Mount Vernon, when intelligence arrived 
of the rupture between France and England. 
Hastening his return to Philadelphia, he sum- 
moned the attention of his cabinet to several 
•questions respecting the course of conduct, pro- 
per for the United States to observe in relation 
to the belligerents. 

Although sensible of the prejudices existing 
in the country against Great Britain, and of the 
friendly disposition which prevailed towards 
France, it was the unanimous opinion of the 
cabinet, that a strict neutrality should be ob- 
served by the United States towards the con- 
tending powers. The council was also unani- 
mous that a minister from the French Repub- 
lick should be received, should one be sent. 

In accordance with the advice of his cabinet, 
the president issued his proclamation of neu- 
trality, on the 22d of April, 1 793. This pro- 
olamation, being without legislative sanction, 
soon became the subject of loud invective. The 
opposition party, through the press, pronounced 
it " a royal edict," an assumption of power on 
the part of the president, and a proof of his mo- 
narchical disposition. They denounced the con- 



ed by reason and religion, instead of unbridled ambition ; actuated bj a 
philanthropick regard to the good of the people, instead of a selfish thirst 
of power : France to tliis day might have enjoyed the blessings of a free 
government 



C76 PERIOD VII,...1789....1797. 

duct of the executive as dishonourable, and an 
act of neutrality, as high ingratitude towards 
France, the firm and magnanimous ally of the 
United States, which had assisted in achieving 
the liberties of the country. 

Section XXI. In this state of things, the Re- 
publick of France recalled the minister of the 
crown, and appointed Mr. Genet to succeed 
him. His mission had for its object the enlist- 
ing of America in the cause of France, against 
Great Britain. Flattered by the manner in 
which he was received by the people, as well as 
by their professions of attachment to his coun- 
try, Mr. Genet early anticipated the accomplish- 
ment of his object. — Presuming too much upon 
this attachment, he was led into a series of acts 
infringing the neutrality proclaimed by the pre- 
sident. He also attempted to rouse the people 
against the government, because it did not se- 
cond all his views. At length, on the advice 
oi his cabinet, the president solicited of the 
Prench Republick the recall of Mr. Genet, and 
the appointment of some one to succeed him. 
Monsieur Fauchet was appointed, and was in- 
structed to assure the American government, 
that France totally disapproved of the conduct 
of his predecessor. 

Mr. Genet, on his arrival in the country, landed at Charles- 
ton S. C. He was received by the governour of that State, and 
by the citizens, with a flow of enthusiastick feeling, equalled on.y 
by that which had been evinced towards his nation at the con- 
quest of Yorktown. 

Soon after landing at Charleston, he began to authorize the 
fitting and arming of vessels, in that port, enlisting men, and 
giving commissions to cruise and commit hostilities against na- 
lions, with which the United States were at peace. Vessels cap ■ 
lured by these cruisers were brought into port, and the consuls 
of France, under the authority of Genet, not yet recognized as '\ 
minister by the American government, assumed the power t'l 



^■. 




Mr. Dtmstan saving his family, p. 90. 




French and Indian War. p. 116. 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 277« 

holding courts of admiralty on them, of trying and condemning 
them, and of authorizing their sale. Upon a complaint of the Bri- 
tish minister, Mr. Hammond, the American cabinet unanimously 
condemned those proceedings, and agreed that the dBcacy of the 
laws should be tried against those citizens, who had been con- 
cerned in them. Prosecutions were accordingly ordered and ac- 
tually commenced. 

The decisions and conduct of the cabinet gave great umbrage 
to Genet, who had now been accredited as the minister ol 
France. In his communications to the secretary of state, his 
dissatisfaction was expressed in strong ternis, and the executive 
charged with holding opinions, and adopting a course diametri- 
cally opposed to the views and wishes of the American joeople. 
In language highly offensive and reprehensible, he demanded 
that those persons under arrest, by order of the government ol 
the United States, should be released, " on the ground that they 
were acting under the authority of France, and defending the 
glorious cause of liberty in ct.mraon with her children.'- And 
at length, he incautiously avowed the purpose, shoidd his de- 
mands nol»be complied with, of appealing; from the president to 
the people. 

The language and conduct of Genet made a deep impression 
on the officers of the administration ; but happily, they preserv- 
ed, in all their communications with that gentleman, a becoming 
dignity, and continued to express a^high respe^fhd affection for 
his nation, and an earnest desn-e to promote ^interests. 

On the meeting of congress, December, 1793, the proclama- 
tion of neutrality was approved by them, as well as the conduct 
of the government towards Mr. Genet. 

Finding on most questicms, arising between the French minish 
ter and l^e. government of the I ■ nited States, a wide and an in- 
creasing difference of views, and perceiving no beneficial effects 
resulting from his continuance in that character, the cabinet 
unanimously advised his recall. 

Section XXII. 1 794. On the last day of De- 
cember, 1793, Mr. Jefferson, the secretary of 
state, resigned his office, and was succeeded 
by Edmund Randolph, the then attorney-gene- 
ral. This latter office was filled by William 
Bradford, a gentleman of considerable emi- 
nence in Pennsylvania. 

Sectwn XXIII. During the session of con- 
gress this year, a resolution passed to provide a 

24 



278 PERIOD Vn....l789....1797. 

naval force adequate to the protection of the 
commerce of the United States, against the Al- 
gerine corsairs. The force proposed was to 
consist of six frigates, four of forty-four, and two 
of thirty-six guns. 

This measure was founded upon the communications of the 
presidenlljirom which it appeared that the prospect of being 
able to negotiate a treaty of peace with the dey of Algiers was 
doubtful ; that eleven American merchant vessels, and upwards 
of one hundred citizens had been captured by them ; and that 
further preparations were making for a renewed attack upon un- 
protected vessels, belonging to the United Slates. 

SectionXiilW. During this session of congress, 
a law passed, prohibiting the carrying on of the 
slave trade from the American ports. 

England had been actively engaged in the Auve trade nearly 
fifty years, when the first settlement was effected in Virginia. 
Slavery was early introduced into the American colonies. The 
first slaves, about twenty in number, were brought to Virginia, 
in 1619, by a Dutch ship. The importation of them gradually 
increased, and although principally bought by the southern 
planters, slaves were soon found, in great numbers, in all the 
colonies. In lll^L they amounted to six hundred thousand. In 
1790, to six huflffed and ninety-seven thousand six hundred 
and ninety-six. 

A disgust towards this inhuman traffick appeared very early 
in the colonies ; but it was countenanced and patronized by the 
English government, and thus introduced into, and fiastened 
upon the country, without the power, on the part of the colonies, 
to arrest it. 

In Massachusetts, in 1645, a law was made, " prohibiting 
the buying and selling of slaves, except those taken in lawful 
war, or reduced to servitude by their crimes." In 1703, the 
same colony imposed a heavy duty on every negro imported, 
and in a subsequent law on the subject, they called the practice, 
" the unnatural and unaccountable custom of enslaving man- 
kind." In Virginia, as early as 1699, attempts were made to 
repress the importation of slaves, by heavy duties. These, and 
Other acts, show that the North American provinces would, if 
left to themselves, have put an end to the importation of slaves 
before the era of their independence. 

In 1778, Virginia abolished the traflSck by law ; Connecticut, 
Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts prohibited it 
before the year 1789. The continental congress passed a reso- 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 279 

ludon against the purchase of slaves, imported t'roih- Africa, and 
exhoiK^d the coloni»>s to abandon the trade altogether. The 
third congress of the United States, as stated above, prohibited 
the trade, by law. Thus we see, in the United States, a very 
earlv and settled aversion to the slave trade manifesting itself, 
and before European nations had consenjted to relinquish it, 
several of the States had utterly prolnbited it. 

Section XXV. At this session, also, several 
measures were adopted in anticipation of a war 
with Great Britain, growing out of her commer- 
cial restriction, wuich bore heavy, and operated 
most unjustly upon the U. States. Bills were 
passed for laying an embargo for thirty days — 
for erecting fortifications — for organizing the 
militia, and increasing the standing army. As 
an adjustment of differences, however, seemed 
desirable, Mr. Jay was appointed envoy extraor- 
dinary to the court of St. James, and succeeded 
in negotiating a treaty with Great Britain the 
following year. 

Among the offensive acts of the government of Great Britam, 
was an order of June, 1793, prohibiting the exportation of corn 
to France, and authorizing the capture of neutral vessels car- 
rying it thither. Under this order, many American vessels 
wer*' captured, and carried into England. In ^overnbe^ fol- 
lowing, additional instructions were given by the British cabmet, 
to ships of war, a«d privateers, to bring into port, for trial, 
all ships laden with goods from France, or her colonies, 
and such as were carrying provisions, or oth. ' supplies, to 
either. To these causes of comp!ai*it, Great Britaui had added 
ani)ther, viz. neglecting to delivei up the western posts accord 
ing to treaty. 

While measures were taking, in anticipation of war, the pre^ 
sident received advices from England, that the order of Novem- 
ber had bepn considerably modified ; that most of the merchant 
vessels, which had been carried into port for trial, would be re- 
leased : and that a dispositien for peace with the United States 
existed in the British cabinet. 

These advices opened to the president a prospect of restoring 
a good understanding between the two nations, and induced him 
immediately to nominate an envoy to settle existing diffeiences^ 



280 PERIOD V....1789....1797. 

and to negotiate commt^rciai rraiigements. The nomination of 
Mr. Jay was approved, i:i the .senate, by a majority <»t' ten. 

To those <>ppc)sed to the adminisiration, no Mep could have 
been more unexpected, or disagrnable, than this decisive mea- 
sure of the president. Prejudices against Great britain had 
risen to their height, and hostilities against her were loudly de- 
manded, as both just and necessary. It was not singular, th re- 
fore, that for this act, the president should receive the severest 
censures of tiie opposition party, nor that all who favoured his 
efforts for peace should be included in the general denunciation. 

Section XXVI. The suspension of hostilities 
against the Indians in the northwest, in conse- 
quence of their consenting to a conference in 
the spring of 1794, has already been noticed 
This effort to conclude a treaty with them fail- 
ing. Gen. Wnyne, who had succeeded Gen. St, 
Clair, engaged the Indians, August 20th, 1794, 
on the banks ef the Miami, and gained a com- 
plete victory over them. 

The American troops engaged in this battle did not exceed 
nine hundred ; the Indians amounted to two thousand. In this 
decisive engagement, Gen Wayne lost one hundred and seven 
in killed and wounded, inciuiing officers. After the battle lie 
proceeded to lay waste the whole Indian country. By nie-ins 
of this victory over tl»e Mian i is. a general war with the Six Na- 
tions, and all the tiibes nortl.west of the Oi.io, was prevent:*d. 

Section XXVII. This year, 1794, was dis- 
tinguished by an insurrection in Pennsylvania, 
growing out of laws enacted by congress, in 
1791, laying duties on spirits distilled within the 
United States, and upon stills. In August, the 
president issued his proclamation, commanding 
the insurgents to disperse. This not having 
the desired effect, a respectable body of militia 
was ordered out, under Gov. Lee, of Mary land, 
on whose approach the insurgents laid down 
their arms, solicited the clemency of the govern- 
ment, and promised future submission to the 

laws. 

. From the time that duties were laid upon spirits distilled with 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 281 

in the United States, &c. combinations were formed, in the four 
western counties of Pennsylvania, to prevent their collection 
Numerous meetings were held at different times and places, at 
which resolutions were passed, and, in several instances, violences 
were committed upon the officers of the revenue. Eighteen of 
the insurgents were taken, and tried for treason, but not con- 
victed. 

Section XXVIII. 1795. January 1st, Col. 
Hamilton resigned the office of secretary of the 
treasury, and was succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, 
of Connecticut. Nearly at the same time, Ti- 
mothy Pickering succeeded Gen. Knox, in the 
department of war. 

'section XXIX. In June, Mr. Jay, having 
succeeded in negotiating a treaty with Great 
Britain, the senate was convened to consider its 
merits. After an elaborate discussion of it, that 
body advised to its ratification by a majority of 
twenty to ten. Notwithstanding the great op- 
position to it that prevailed among the enemies 
of Great Britain, the president gave it his sig- 
nature. (Contrary to the predictions of many in 
the country, the treaty settled existing difficul- 
ties between the two nations, prevented a war, 
which previously seemed fast approaching, and 
proved of great advantage to the United States. 

The treaty, when published, found one party prepared for its 
condemnation, while the other was not ready for its defence. 
Time was necessary for a judicious and careful consideration of 
its merits. 

In the populous cities, meetings were immediately called, and 
resolutions and addresses forwarded to the president, requesting 
him to withhold his assent. Upon the president, however, these 
had no other effect, than to induce him to weigh still more care- 
fully the merits of the treaty. When, at length, he was satisfied 
of its utility, he signed it, although he thereby incurred the cen- 
sures of a numerous portion of the citizens. 

Section XXX. In the course of the following 
autumn, treaties were concluded with the dey 
of Algiers, and with the Miamia in the west. 

24* 



382 PERIOD VII....1789....1797. 

By the former treaty, American citizens, w cap - 
tivity in Algiers, were liberated, and by tlie lat- 
ter, the western frontiers of the United States 
were secured from savage invasion. A treaty 
with Spain soon after followed, by which the 
claims of the United States, on the important 
points of boundary, and the navigation of the 
Mississippi, were fully conceded. 

Section XXXI. On the 1st of June, 1796, 

Tennessee was admitted, by act of congress, 
into the Union as a State. 

Tennessee derives its name from its principal river. Tliis 
name, in the language of the Indians, signifies a curved spoon, 
the curvature, to their imaginations, resembling that of the river 
Tennessee. 

The territory of Tennessee was granted in 1664, by Charles 
II. to the earl of Clarendon, and others, being included in the 
limits of the Carolinas. About the beginning of the next cen- 
tury, Carolina was divided into two provinces, and Tennessee 
fell to the lot of the northern province. Near the year 1754, 
fifty families were settled on the Cumberland river, where Nash- 
ville now stands ; but they were dislodged by the savages soon 
after. In 1765, a number of emigrants settled themselves be- 
yond the present limits of North Carolina, and were the first of 
the colonists of Tennessee. By the year 1773, the inhabitants 
had considerably increased. When the constitution of North 
Carolina was formed, in 1776, that district sent deputies to ihe 
meeting. In the year 1780, a small colonj' of about forty fami- 
lies, under the direction of James Robertson, crossed the moun- 
tains, and sett'.pd on f'.ie Cumberland river, where they founded 
Nashville. In 1785, the inhabitants of Tennessee, feeling the 
inconveniencies of a government so remote as that in the capital 
of North Carolina, endeavoured to form an independent one, to 
which they intended to give the name of the " State of Frank- 
lin ;" but differing among themselves, the scheme for the time 
was abandoned. In 1789, the legislature of North Carolina 
passed an act, ceding the territory, on certain conditions, to the 
United States. Congress, in the following year, accepted the 
cession, and by another act, passed on the 26th of May, 1790, 
provided for its government under the title of " The territory 
of the United States, south of the Ohio." In 1796, Congress 
passed an act enaoilng the people to form a state constitution, 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 28f 

which having been adopted and approved, Tennessee was ac- 
knowledged as a sovH! Pign state in the union. 

Section XXXIl. On the meeting of congress 
in 1796, resolutions were passed to carry into 
effect the treaties negotiated the preceding year. 
On the subject of the treaty with Great Britain, 
the liveliest sensibility still prevailed. After a 
spirited and protracted debate of seven weeks, 
on the subject of making the necessary arrange- 
ments for this treaty, resolutions to that effect 
passed the house by a majority of only three. 

Section XXXIII. As the time for a new 
election of the chief magistrate of the Union 
approached, Gen. Washington signified his in- 
tention to retire from publick life. Wishing to 
terminate his political course with an act suit- 
able to his own character, and permanently 
useful to his countrymen, he published a vale- 
dictory address to the people of the United 
States, fraught with maxims of the highest po- 
litical importance, and with sentiments of the 
warmest affection for his country. 

In February, 1 797, the votes for his successor 
were opened, and counted in the presence of 
both houses of congress. The highest number 
appearing in favour of Mr. Adams, he was de- 
clared to be elected president of the United 
States, for the four years ensuing, commencing 
on the 4th of March. Mr. Jefferson succeeded 
Mr. Adams in the vice-presidency. 



Section XXXIV. Jliaiflteti^* We can re- 
mark, during this period, no very distinct 



284 PERIOD VII....1789....1797 

change in the manners of the people of the 
United States, except that the introduction oi 
French philosophy seems to hava affected, in 
some degree, the sober habits and strict mora- 
lity of the people, which, although relaxed by 
the war, had now begun to resume their in 
fluence. 

Section XXXV. MtU^VnX^ At the close 
of the preceding period, we observed that reli- 
gion had revived, in a degree, from the injuries 
it suffered during the revolutionary war; and 
we might have expected, that under the auspi- 
ces of a wise and settled government, conducted 
by a practical christian, like Washington, it 
would have acquired a still more commanding 
influence. Such, however, was not the fact. 

As the people of the United States heartily 
espoused the cause of the revolution in France, 
and sympathized with that people, in their strug- 
gle for freedom, it was but too natural, that the 
sentiments of the revolutionists, on other than 
political subjects, should be imbibed. As the 
French revolutionists were almost universally 
deists, or atheists, these sentiments were exten- 
sively spread over the United States. 

For a time, the boldness of the enterprises. th<s splendour of 
the victories, and the importance of the conquests, achieved by 
the French republick, promoted the extension of French infi- 
delity in the United States. " Most eyes," says Dr. Dwight, 
" were disabled from seeing the nature of the purposes, which 
the revolutionists had in view, and of the characters which were 
exhibited on this singular stage. In the agitation and amaze- 
ment excited in all men, few retained so steady opticks as to 
discern, without confusion, the necessary consequence of this 
stupendous shock." 

Infidelity was also greatly extended, at this time, by the wri- 
tings of Paine, Godwin, and others, which were industriously 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 285 

circulated through the country.* The perspicuous and simple 
stylf of Paine, his keen powers of ridicule, directed against the 
Bible, and above all, the gratitude which multitude^ f-^-lt for the 
aid his pen had given to our revolution, contributed to impart 
to him a peculiarly powerful influence. His vicious iife, how- 
ever, and the horrible enormities, committed by the F'rench 
revolutionists, gave such a fearful comment upon their princi- 
ples, as at length, in a gi'eat measure, to bring them into dis- 
credit, and to arrest their growing influence. 

Section aXA VI. ZvK'^t auti ©OtlltnttCe^ 

Tliese flourished, during this period, beyond all 
former example. In 1797, the exports ot* the 
United States, of ail kinds, amounte<l to fifty- 
six millions, eight hundred and fifty thousand, 
t^^'o hundred and six dollars. The imports 
amounted to seventy -five millions, three hun- 
dred and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred 
and six dollars. Our vessels visited every part 
of the world, and brought wealth and luxuries 
from every country. 

Section XXXVII. EijrttllUttte* Aside 
from the importance of agriculture, as furnish- 
ing us with the greatest portion of our food, it 
b'gan now to derive greater consequence, as 
fu nisliing materials for our manufactures, and, 
still more, as contributing largely to our exports. 
In 1796, it was estimated that three-fourths of 
the inhabitants of the United States, if not a 
greater proportion, were employed in agricultu- 
ral pursuits. 

Section xxxwii. ^ttfii atil^ :^antttac= 

ttttC.$« During this period, manufactures at- 
tracted the attention of government. Mr. Ha- 
milton, secretary of the treasury, made a report 
to congress, on the subject, in which he set forth 

* Godwin's Political Justice, and Paine's Age of Reason, powerfully 
urged on the tide of infidelity. An enormous edition of the latter publica- 
tion was printed in France, and sent to America, to be sold for a few 
pence only : and where it could aot be sold, it was given away. 



286 PERIOD VII....1789....1797 

their importance to the country, and urged the 
policy of aiding them. Since that time, the re- 
venue laws have been framed, with a view to tiie 
encouragement of manufacture^!, and their pro- 
motion has been considered as a part of the set- 
tled policy of the United States. Although the 
flourishing state of commerce commanded the 
attention, and absorbed the capital of the coun- 
try, in some degree, to the exclusion of other 
objects, still manufactures made considerable 
progress. 

Sectio7i XXAIX. j^O^^tt^atiOtt* The in- 
habitants of the United States, at the close of 
tliis period, amounted to about five millions. 

ectio7i X\.. l£5ut*tt Otl. The adoptiim of 
the federal constitution placed the political af- 
fairs of theUnited States on a permanent basis, 
and since that period, learning has flourished. 

In 1791, the university of Vermmit was established at Bur- 
lington; Williams' College, Massachusetts, in 1793; Tnion 
College, at Schenectady, New-York, and Greenvillp College, 
Tennessee, in 1794; Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, in Maine, 
1795. An historical society was formed in Massachusetts, in 
1791, and incorporated in 1794. It has published twelve vo 
lunjes of documents, designed to illustrate the past and present 
state of the country. 

XLI. A short time since, we were occupied in considering 
the United States struggling for independence, under Washing- 
ton, as a lender of their armiis. Under his guidance, we saw 
them triumpn, and become a free nation. We have also seen 
them, wkh Washington at the head of the convention, fnrnnng 
our excellent constitution. We now see them with Washington 
their chief mngistrate, taking their place among the sovereign, 
ties of the earth, and launching forth on the full tide of success* 
ful experiment. 

Under Washington, as our leader, we won our independence ; 
formed our constitution; established our government. And 
what reward does he ask for services like these ? Does he ask 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 287 

fttfladem? Does he lay his hand upon our national treasury? 
Does he claim to be emperor of the nation that has risen up un- 
der his auspices ? No — although " first in war — first in peace 
—first in the hearts of his countrymen," — he sublimely retires 
to the peaceful occupations of rural life, content with the honour 
of having been instrumental in achieving the independence, and 
securmg the happiness of his country. 

There is no parallel in history to this ! By the side of Wash- 
ington, Alexander is degraded to a selfish destroyer of his race ; 
Caesar becomes the dazzled votary of power ; and Bonaparte, a 
baffled aspirant to universal dominion. 

Washington has been the theme of eulogy in every nation. 
" His military successes," it has been well said, " were more 
solid than brilliant, and judgment, rather than enthusiasm, regu- 
lated his conduct in battle. In the midst of the inevitable dis- 
order of camps, and the excesses inseparable from civil war, 
humanity always found a refuge in his tent. In the morning of 
triumph, and in the darkness of adversity, he was alike serene ; 
at all times tranquil as wisdom, and simple as virtue. After 
the acknowledgment of American Independence, when the una- 
nimous suffrages of a free people called him to administer their 
government, his administration, partaking of his character, was 
mild and firm at home ; noble and prudent abroad.* 



• Inchiquin'8 Letter*. 



UNITED STATES. 

mtiott Tim. 

DISTINGUISHED FOR ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION 

Extending from the inauguration of President 
Adams^ 1797, to the inauguratioti of Thomas 
Jefferson^ as president of the United States^ 
1801. 

Section I. On the 4th of March, 1797, Mr. 
Adams, in the presence of the senate, of the 
officers of the general and Ktate governments, 
and a numerous concourse of spectators, vook 
the oath of office, as president of the United 
States. 

The condition of the country, at the do le of 
Washington's administration, and the 3om- 
mencement of Mr. Adams', was greatl} im- 
proved from that of 1789, the period at \i^hich 
the former entered upon his office. 

At home, a sound credit had been established ; an immense 
floating debt had been funded in a manner perfectly saiibfactory 
to the creditors, and an ample revenue had been piovided» 
Those difficulties, which a system of internal taxatioii, on its 
first introduction, is doomed to encounter, were completely re- 
moved ; and the authority of the government was firmly estab- 
lished. 

Funds for the gradual payment of the debt had been provided; 
a considerable part of it had actually been discharged ; an(J 
that system which is now operating its entire extinction, had 
been matured and adopted. The agricultural and commercial 
wealth of the nation had increased beyond all former example. 
The numerous tribes of Indians, on the west, had been taught 
by arms and by justice, to respect the United States and to con 
tinue in peace. 




Abercrombie's army crossing Lake George, p. 132, 




Death of Wolfe, p. 138. 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 289 

Abroad, the differences with Spain had been accommodated. 
Yhe free navigation of the Mississippi had been acquired, with 
the use of New-Orleans, as a place of deposit for three years, 
and afterwards, until some equivalent place should be desig- 
nated. 

Those causes of mutual exasperation, which had threatened 
to involve the United States in a war with the greatest maritime 
and commercial power in the world, had been removed ; and 
the military posts which had been occupied within their terri 
tory, from their existence as a nation, had been evacuated. 
Treaties had been formed with Algiers and Tripoli, and no 
captures appear to have been made by Tunis; so that the 
Mediterranean was opened to American vessels. 

This bright prospect was, indeed, in part, shaded by the dis- 
contents of France. But the causes of these discontents, it had 
been impossible to avoid, without surrendering the right of self- 
government. Such was the situation of the United States at the 
close of Washington's, and the commencement of Adams' admi- 
nistration. 

Section II. Just before Washington retired 
from office, learning that France meditated hos- 
tilities against the United States, by way of de 
predations on her West India commerce, he had 
recalled Mr. Monroe, then minister to that court, 
and despatched Gen. C. C. Pinckney, minister 
plenipotentiary, to adjust existing differences. 

Immediately upon succeeding to the presi- 
dency, Mr. Adams received intelligence that the 
French republick had announced to Gen. Pinck- 
ney its determination " not to receive another 
minister from the United States until after the 
redress of griev.-^ »ices," &c. 

On the receipt of this intelligence, the pre 
sident issued his proclamation to convene con 
gress on the 15th of June. In his speech on 
that occasion, having stated the indignity offer- 
ed the United States by France, in refusing to 
receive her minister, the president, in the tone 
of a high-minded and independent American, 
urged congress " to repel this indignity of the 

25 



2 PERIOD Vin....l797....1801. 

French government, by a course which shall 
convince that government and the world that 
we are not a degraded people, humiliated under 
a colonial spirit of fear and a sense of inferiori- 
ty, fitted to be the miserable instruments of fo- 
reign influence, and regardless of national ho- 
nour, character and interest." 

Notwithstanding this language, the president 
still retained a desire for peace. Upon his re- 
commendation, three envoys extraordinary, C. 
C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Mar- 
shall, were appointed to the French republick, 
to carry into effect the pacifick dispositions of 
the United States. 

Section III. For a considerable time, no cer- 
tain intelligence reached the country respecting 
the negotiations at Paris. At length, in the 
winter of 1798, letters were received from the 
American envoys, indicating an unfavourable 
state of things ; and in the spring despatches 
arrived, which announced the total failure of the 
mission. 

Before the French government would acknowledge the envoys, 
money, by way of tribute, was demanded in explicit terms of 
the Uuited States. This being refined, an attempt was next 
made to excite the fears of the American ministers for their coun- 
try and themselves. The immense power of France was pciint- 
ed in glowing colours, the humiliation of the house of Austria 
was stated, and the conquest of Britain was confidently antici- 
pated. In the friendship of France alone, they were told, could 
America look for safetj\ 

During these transactions, occasion was repeatedly taken to 
insult the American government ; open war was continued to be' 
urged by the cruisers of France on American commerce; 
and the flag oi the United States was a sufficient justification 
for tl'.e capture and condemnation of any vessel, over which it 
waved. 

S'^cTion IV. Perceiving further negotiations 
io be m vain, congress now proceeded to the 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 291 

adoption of vigorous meosures for retaliating 
injuries which had been sustained, and for re- 
pelling still greater injuries which were threat- 
ened. Amongst these measures was the aug- 
mentation of the regular army. 

A regiment of artillerists and engineers was added to the per- 
manent establishment, and the president was authorized to raise 
twelve additional regiments of infantry, and one regiment of ca- 
valry. He was also authorized to appoint officers for a provi- 
sional army, and to receive and organize volunteer corps. 

By the unanimous consent of the senate, Gen. 
Washington was appointed lieutenant-general 
and commander in chief of all the armies raised, 
or to be raised, in the United States. 

Section V. While preparationf» were thus 
making for war, indirect pacifick overtures were 
communicated by the French government to the 
president, and a wilbngnej^s expressed to 
accommodate existing different-es on reasonable 
&Tms. 

Solicitous to restore that harmony and good 
understanding, which had formerly existed 
between the two countries, the presiflnnt listened 
to these overtures and appointed three envoys, 
Oliver Ellsworth, chief justice of the United 
States, Patrick Henry, then late govern<iur of 
Virginia, and William Vans Murray, minister at 
the Hague, to discuss and settle, by treaty, all 
controversies between the United States and 
France. 

On the arrival of these envoys at Paris, they 
found the government in the hands of Bonaparte, 
who had not been concerned i the transactions 
which had disturbed the peace of the two coun- 
tries. Negotiations were com lu' need, whi-h 
terminated in a treaty of peace, September 30th> 



292 PERIOD VIII....l797....i801. 

1800, soon after which, the provisional army in 
America was, by order of congress, disbaiide(i> 
Section VI. On the 14th of December, 1799, 
Gen. Washington expired at his seat, at Mount 
Vernon, in Virginia, leaving a nation to mourn 
his loss, and to embalm his memory with their 
tears. 

ITie disease, of which Gen. Washington died, was an inflam 
matory affection of the windpipe, occasioned by an exposure to 
a light rain, while attending, the day before, to some improve* 
ments on his estate. 

The disease at its commencement was violent, and medical 
skill was applied in vain. Respiration became more and more 
contracted and imperfect, until half past eleven o'clock on Sa- 
turday night, when retaining the full poss.-ssion of his intellect, 
he expired without a groan. 

Believing at the commencement of his complaint, that its con« 
elusion would be mortal, he ecoiiomiz.ed his time in arran^ring, 
with the utmost serenity, those few concerns which required hig 
attention. To his physician, he expressed his conviction that 
he was dying ; " but/' said he, " T am not afraid to die." 

On Wednesday, the l8th of December, his body was deposit 
ed in the family vault, attended with miUtary honours, and suit- 
able religious services. 

On the arrival of the news of his death at Philadelphia, Mon- 
day, congress immediately adjourned. On the day succeeding, 
resolutions were adopted expressive ofthe grief of the members, 
and a committee was appointc-d to devise a mode by which the 
national feelings should be expressed. 

On the melancholy occasion, the senate addressed to the pre- 
sident, a letter, in which the} say ; " Permit us, sir, to laingle 
ouf tears with yours. On tins occasion il is manly to weep. 
To lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no conuuon calamity to 
the world. Our country mourns a father. The Almighty dis- 
sposer of events has taken from us our greatest benefactoj* and 
ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to Him who 
maketh darkness his pavilion. 

*' With pairiotick pride we review the life of Washington, and 
compare him with those of other coimtries who have been pre- 
eminent in favour. Ancient and modern names are diminished 
before him. Greatness and {juilt have too often been allied ; 
but his fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The destroyers of 
nations stood abashed at the majesty oUiis virtues. Tt repror 



ADAMS* ADMINISTRATION. 2^1 

ed the intemperance of their ambition, and darkened the spkn* 
dour of victory. 

" The scene is closed ; and we are no longer anxious lest 
misfortune should sully his glory. He has travelled on to the 
end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight 
of honour. He has deposited it safely where misfortune cannot 
larnish it ; where malice cannot blast it. Favoured of heaven, 
he departed without exhibiting the weakness o^ imanity ; mag- 
nanimous in death, the darkness of the graw ould not obscure 
his brightness." 

The committee, appointed to devise s^me mod*^^ by which to ex- 
press the national feelings, recommen<' that a marble monument 
be erected by the United States, at tt.,^.*, ty of Washington, to com- 
memorate the great events of Washington's military and politi- 
cal life ; that a funeral oration be delivered by a member of 
congress ; that the president be requested to write a letter of 
condolence to Mrs. Washington ; and that it be recommended 
to the citizens of the United States, to wear crape on the left 
arm for thirty' days. 

These resolutions passed both houses unanimously. The 
whole nation appeared in mourning. The funeral procession 
at the city of Washington was grand and solemn, and the elo- 
quent oration, delivered on the occasion by Gen. Henry Lee, 
was heard with profound attention, and with deep interest. 

Throughout the United States, similar marks of affliction 
were exhibited. Funeral orations were delivered, and the best 
talents devoted to an expression of grief, at the loss of *' the 
man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his fel- 
low-citizens." 

Section VII. In 1800, agreeably to a resolu- 
tion passed in congress in 1790, the seat of go- 
vernment was transferred from Philadelphia to 
the city of Washington, in the District of Co- 
lumbia. 

The District of Columbia is a territory of ten miles square. 
It K about three hundred miles from the sea, at the head of tide 
water on the Potomac, which runs through it diagonally, near 
the centre. It was ceded, in 1790, to the United States, by 
I\Iaryland and Virginia, and it is under the immediate govern- 
ment of congress. 

Section VIIT. On the 4th of March, 1801, 
Mr. Adams' term of office as president would 
expire. Before the arrival of the time for a 

25* 



294 PERIOD VIII....1791....1801. 

new election, it had been pretty certainly pre- 
dicted that he could not be re-elected. Hia 
administration, through the whole course of it, 
had been the subject of much popular clamour, 
especially by the democratick party. But the 
measures which most excited the opposition of 
that party, and which were most successfully 
employed to destroy the popularity of Mr 
Adams' administration, and to place the go- 
vernment in other hands, were several laws 
passed during his presidency, among which were 
the " Alien^^ and " Sedition''^ laws. 

By the " alien laio" the president was authorized to ordei 
any alien, whom " he should judge dangerous to the peace and 
safety of the United States, &c. to depart out of the territory, 
within such time" as he should judge proper, upon penalty oi 
being " imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years," &c. 

The design of the " sedition law''' so called, was to punish 
the abuse of speech, and of the press. It imposed a heavy pe- 
cuniary fine, and imprisonment for a term of years, upon such 
as should combine or conspire together to oppose any measure 
of government ; upon such as should write, print, utter, publish, 
&c. '' any false, scandalous, and malicious writing against the 
government of the United States, or either house of the congress 
of the United States, or the president, &c." 

These acts, together with others for raising a 
standing army, and imposing a direct tax and 
internal duties, with other causes, so increased 
the opposition to Mr. Adams' administration, as 
to prevent his re-election, and greatly to weaken 
the strength of that party to whom he owed his 
elevation to the presidency. 

Section IX. The strife of parties, during the 
term of electioneering, was spirited. On can- 
vassing the votes of the electors for president, 
it was found that Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Burr 
jiad each seventy-three votes, Mr. Adams sixty- 
five, and C. C. Pinckney sixty four. As the 
constitution provided that the person having the 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 205 

greatest number of votes should be president, 
and Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr having an equal 
number, it became the duty of the house of re- 
presentatives, voting by States, to decide be- 
tween these two Gentlemen. 

The ballot was taken for several days in suc- 
cession, February, 1801, before a choice was 
made. The federalists generally supported Mr. 
Burr ; the democratick party Mr. Jefterson. At 
length, after much political heat and party ani- 
mosity, the choice fell upon the latter, who was 
declared to be elected president of the United 
States for four years, commencing March 4th, 
1801. Mr. Burr was elected vice-president. 



Section X. ^UXiXittU* The manners of 
the people of the United States underwent no 
marked change during this period. 

Section XI. l^$it0iOU* Although infideli- 
ty does not seem to have made much progress 
in the United States, during this period, it was 
evident that it had taken deep root in many 
minds. 

Infidels, however, were less confident, and less ready to 
avow their sentiments. They stood abashed before the world, 
at the fearful cind blood-chilling horrours which their principles 
had poured out upon France. Their doctrines were, at the 
same time, powerfully refuted by the ablest men both in Eng- 
land and America. At length, they ceased to make proselytes, 
spoke favourably of the Christian religion, generally admitted 
that it was absolutely necessary to good government ; and er- 
rour, with regard to religion, assumed a new form. 

Towards the close of this period, a revival of religion com- 
menced in New-England, and seems to have been the beginning 
of that series of revivals which have since overspread the United 
States. Some sects which had before regarded " revivals of re- 



too KBIOD yiIL...l797....l801. 

li^on** with suspicion or aversion, became convinced of thcl 
utility and began to promote them. 

Section XII. Eta^Te atiU Commerce* 

Trade and commerce were still prosperous, and 
the remarks made in respect to them, under pe- 
riod VII. apply to them during this period. 

The exports, in 1801, were ninety-three raHlions, twenty thou- 
sand five hundred and seventy-three dollars, the imports, one 
bundled and eleven millions, three hundred and sixty-three thou- 
sand hve hundred and eleven dollars. 

Section XIII. ^0T (tttUUjCC* Agriculture 
still continued to flourish. 

Section XIV. ^rts auti Munututtuvt^. 

The g(^neral remarks on the preceding period, 
relative to this subject, apply, without material 
alteration to this period. 

Section XV. ]|0|IUiatfon* The number 
of inhabitants, at the close of this period, was 
not far from five millions, five hundred thou- 
sand. 

Section XVI. iStTttCatiOW* We have no- 
thing particular to observe in relation to educa- 
tion. Publick and private schools, however, 
were multiplied as the people increased, and 

as new settlements were made. 

In 1798, a college was founded at Lexington, Kentucky, call 
ed the Transylvania University. Middlebury college, in Ver- 
mont, was founded in 1 800. At the commencement of the 1 Stb 
century, there was, in New-England but one college completely 
founded, but now there were six ; in the colonies south of Con- 
necticut, there was only one, but now there were fifteen or six 
teen. 



UNITED STATES. 



riSTINGUISHED FOR JEFFERSON 's ADMINISTRATION 

Extefiding from the inauguration of President 
Jefferson^ 1801, fo the inauguratio7i of James 
Madison as president of the United States j in 
1809. 

Section I. On the 4th of March, 1801, Mr. 
Jetfereon agreeably to the constitution, was regu- 
larly inducted into the office of president of the 
United States. 

At the time of his inauguration, Mr. Jefferson delivered an 
address, expressive of his jjolitical opinions, and tiie principles 
by which he designed to shape his administration. These were 
" Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or per- 
suasion, religious, or political : peace, commerce, and honest 
friendship, with all nations, entangling alliances with none : — . 
the support of the State governments in all their rights, as the 
most competent administrations for our domestick concerns, 
and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies : — 
the preservation ol' the general government in its whole constitu- 
tional vigour, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home, and 
safety abroad : — a jealous care of the right of election by the 
people, a mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped 
by the sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are unpro- 
vided : — absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, 
the vital principle of republicks, from which is no appeal but to 
force, the vital principle and immediate parent of depotisras : — 
a well disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace, and for the 
first moments of war, till regulars may relieve them : — the supre- 
macy of the civil over the military authority : — economy in the 
publick expense, that labour may be lightly builhened : — the 
honest payment of our debts, and sacred preservation of the 
publick faith : — encouragement of agriculture and of commerce 
as its hand-maid : — the diffusion of information and arraignment 



293 PERIOD IX....1801....1800. 

of all abuses at the oar of publick reason : — freedom of religion^ 
— freedom of the press: — and freedora of person, under the pro^ 
lection of the Habeas Corpus , — and trial by juries impartially 
selected." — " These principles." added Mr. Jefferson, " should 
be the creed of our political faith ; and should we wander from 
them in moments of errour or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace 
our steps, and to regain ''le road which alone leads to peace, li- 
■ berty, and safety." 

Section II. The commencement of Mr. Jef- 
ferson's administrat;on was marked by a re- 
moval, from responsible and lucrative oilices, ot 
a great portio^i of those vt^hose political opinions 
were opposeri to his own, on the ground that 
most of the offices at the disposal of the govern- 
ment, had been exclusively bestowed on the ad 
herents of the opiJosite party. 

In a reply to a rerai>nstrance of merchants of New-Haven, 
against the removal from office of a federal collector of that 
port, and the appointment of a gentleman of opposite politicks, 
the president formally assigned this as the reason of the course 
he adopted. 

" It would have been to me," said he in that reply, " a cir 
cumstance of great relief, had I found a moderate participation 
of office in the hands of the majority, (the democratick party.) 
I would gladly have left to time and accident to raise them to 
their just shai'e. But their total exclusion calls for prompter 
correctives. I thall correct the procedure ; but that done, re- 
turn with joy to that state of things, when the only question 
concerning a candidate shall be. Is he honest ? Is he capable ? 
Is he faithful to the constitution ?" 

Section III. Congress met on the 8th of De- 
cember. In his speech at the opening of the 
session, the president recommended the aboli- 
tion of the internal taxes — the repeal of the act 
passed towards, the close of Mr. Adams' admi- 
nistration, reorganizing the United States 
courts, and erecting sixteen new judges — and 
an enlargement of the rights of naturalization. 
The debates on these several topicks in both 
houses of congress were extended to great 
length) and displayed much eloquence, argu- 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 299 

ment, and warmth. The recommendation of 
the president, notwithstanding the opposition, 
prevailed, and bills in accordance therewith 
were passed. 

The internal taxes, from the time of their establishment, had 
been extremely unpopular, with the party, which had elevated 
Mr. Jefferson to the presidency. It was a favourite measure, 
therefore, of his, to procure their abolition 

The national judicial establishment origmally consisted of a 
supreme court, with six judges, who twice a year made a tour of 
the United States in three circuits. Under this arrangement, 
great inconveniences were experienced by the court, the bar, 
and the suit'-trs. The new arrangement in the judicieil system, 
and the increase of judges at the close of Mr. Adams' term, 
had excited, in a large portion of the citizens, the hope of a 
more prompt and impartial administration of justice. To that 
portion of the community the repealing act was a painful disap- 
pointment. 

Section IV. In 1802, Ohio was admitted by 
act of congress, as an independent state into the 

Union. 

The state of Ohio derived its name from the river Ohio, 
which sweeps the southeeistern border of the state. 

Until 1787, it was inhabited only by Indians, a ievf Mora- 
vians, and trespassers on lands belonging to the publick. By 
virtue of her charter, the territory was claimed by Virginia, and 
neld by her, although the original charter of Connecticut, ei- 
Cending west to the Pacific Ocean, included a great part of it. 

In 1781, the legislature of Virginia ceded to the United 
States all her rights to the territory northwest of the river 
Ohio, excepting some few military tracts. In 1788, the first 
settlement was begun at Marietta, u^ider General Rufus Put- 
nam, from New-England. It had been, the year before, erect- 
ed into one district, including the present territories of Michigan, 
Illinois, and Indiana. 

Until 1795, the settlement of Ohio was retarded by constant 
wars with the Indians. But at that time, a general peace with 
the different tribes, being effected by General Wayne, under 
Washington, the population of the territory rapidly increased 
by emigrations from Europe, and still more from INew-England. 

Section V. The year 1804 was distinguish- 
ed for an event, which filled a considerable por- 
tion of the American people with great grief. 



SOO PERIOD IX....1S01... 1809. 

This was the death of Gen. Hamilton, who fell 
in a duel with Col. Burr, the vice-president of 
the United States. 

Section VI. Mr . Jefferson's first term of of- 
fice ending this year, a new election took place, 
at which he was re-chosen president, and on the 
4th of March again took the oath of office. 
George Clinton of New- York, was elected vice- 
president. 

Section VII. During the year which com- 
menced the second of Mr. Jefferson's presidency, 
a war, which had been continued for several 
years between the United States and Tripoli, 
was concluded, and a treaty of peace negotiated 
by Col. Lear, between the two countries, by 
which the Tripolitan and American prisoners 
were exchanged, and the sum of sixty thousand 
dollars given to the pacha. 

The history of this war deserves a place in these pages. The 
commerce of the United States had been long annoyed by the 
Tripolitan cruisers — many merchantmen had been taken, and 
their crews imprisoned and cruelly treated. 

As early as 1803, a squadron under Com. PrebJe had been 
sent to the Mediterranean, to protect the American commerce, 
and to bring the corsairs to submission. During the same year, 
Capt. Bainbridge, in the Philadelphia, joined Com. Preble, and 
in chasing a cruiser into the harbour of Tripoli, grounded his 
vessel, and he and his crew were taken prisoners. 

Shortly after the surrender of the Philadelphia, the Tripoli- 
tans got her afloat, and warped her into the outward harbour 
In this situation, Lieutenant, afterwards Commodore, Decatur, 
conceived the bold plan of attempting to set her on fire. He 
had the day before captured a small xebec, laden with fruit 
and oil, which was bound to Tripoli ; and having on board the 
Enterprize, which he commanded, an old pilot, who understood 
the Tripolitan language, he suggested his plan to Commodore 
Preble, who approved of it. He would accept of only twenty 
men, although a much greater number volunteered, and but one 
officer, Mr. ^lorris, a midshipman. With these men, concealed 
in the bottom of the xebec, on the approach of night, he sailed 
for the Philadelphia, taking with him the old pilot. On ap- 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. SQi 

- proaclilng the frigate, the xebec was hailed, when the pilot an- 
' swered that he had lost his cable and anchor, and begged per- 
mission to make fast to the frigate, until the morning. This, 
the crew refused, but said he might make fast to their stem haw- 
ser, until they sent a boat to the admiral for leave. 

As the boat put off for the shore, Lieutenant Decatur, with hi« 
6rave companions, leaped on board the frigate, and in a feir 
minutes swept the deck of every Tripolitan. Of fifty, not one 
reached the shore. The frigate was now set on fire, and while 
the flames rose, to spread consternation among the Tripolitans, 
they served to lighten the way for the heroick Decatur and his 
band to go back in safety to the American squadron. Of the 
party, not one was killed, and but one wounded. This was ■ 
seaman who saved the life of his commander. In the first des- 
perate struggle on board the Philadelphia, Decatur was disarm- 
ed, and fell. A sabre was already lifted to strike the fatal blow, 
when this seaman, observing the perilous situation of his officer, 
reached forward, and received the blow of the sabre on his arm. 

In consequence of the burning of the Philadelphia, the suffer- 
ings of Commodore Bainbridge and his crew, as well as those of 
other Americans in captivity at Tripoli, were greatly increased. 
The accounts of their sufferings, transmitted to the United 
States, excited the sympathy of all classes, and a general cry for 
exertions to effect their deliverance was hccwd from all parts of 
the union. 

It happened that some time before this, the then reigning 
bashaw of Tripoli, Jussuf, third son of the late bashaw, had 
murdered his father and eldest brother, and proposed to murder 
the second, in order to possess himself of the throne. But the 
latter, Hamet Caramelli, made his escape, and Jussuf, without 
further opposition, usurped the government. 

Hamet took refuge in Egypt, where he was kindly treated by 
the beys. Here he was, on the arrival of an accredited agent 
of the United States, General Eaton, who revived his almost ex- 
piring hopes of regaining his rightful kingdom. 

General Eaton had been consul for the United States up the 
Mediterranean, and was returning home when he heard of the 
situation of Hamet. Conceiving a plan of Hberating the Ame- 
ricans irs captivity at Tripoli, by means of the assistance of 
Hamet, and, at the same time, of restoring this exue lO njs 
throne, he advised with Hamet, who readily listened to the pro- 
ject, and gave his co-operation. 

A convention was accordingly entered into between General 
Eaton on the part of the United States, and Hamet, by whic/i 
the latter stipulated much in favour of the Americans, and was 
promised to be restored to his throne. 

26 



302 PERIOD IX. .1801....1809. 

With a small force, consisting of seamen from the Aaieiicao 
squadron, the followers of Hamet, and some Egyptian troops, 
Gen. Edton and Hamet, with incredible toil and suffering, pass- 
ed the desert of Barca, and took possession of Dernc, the capital 
of a large province belonging to the kingdom of Tripoli. Tlie 
forces of Eaton were now so much increased, and the cause of 
Hamet had become so popular, that the prospect was flattering 
of his being able to reduce the city of Tripoli, and of effecting 
the liberation of tlie captives without ransom. 

The successes of Eaton struck the usurper JussufwitJiterrour. 
Trembling for his fate in this juncture, he proposed to Mr. 
Lear, the consul-general of America, then in the Mediterranean, 
to enter into negotiation. Mr. Lear, who was authorized to en- 
ter into negotiation, accepted the proposal, although he knpw o/ 
the success of Eaton and Hamet, and a treaty ensued. Eaton 
und'^tlamet were consequently arrested in the prosecution of 
their purpose, and the unfortunate exile failed of his promised 
restoration to the throne. 

In 1 805, Hamet visited the Unhed States with the expectation 
of obtaining some remuneration for his services, from America, 
and for her failure in fulfilling her stipulations to hmi by Gen. 
Eaton. A proposition to this effect was brought before con< 
gress, but after much discussion was rejected. 

Section VIII. During this year, 1805, Michi- 
gan became a distinct territorial government of. 
the United States. 

The Michigan territory, when first discovered by the whites, 
was inhabited by the Hurom, a tribe of Indians, many of whom 
were converted to Christianity by the Jesuit Missionaries in 
1648. About the year l670, the Hurons were defeated and 
disoersed by the Six Nations, about which time, the French took 
possession of the territory, and buik a fort at Detroit, and ano- 
ther at Michillimackinac. Little, however, was dore by the 

French to settle the country. , a ^ *i . v..r.nU 

At the peace of 1763, the territory was ceded by the French 
to Great Britain, and by the latter to the United States in 1^83. 
Until 1787, it remained in the same state of nature, without go- 
vernment, or any considerable settlements; but at this time, the 
several states who had claims upon it, ceded them to the United 
States, and a territorial government was instituted over all the 
territory, northwest of the Ohio. 

, Thi«r territory reiWkined under one government until 180L, 
when the present state of Ohio was detached, and made a dis- 
Unct government. This was followed, in 1801, by a further 
separation of Indiana and Illinois ; and, in 1 805, Michigan was 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 303 

also detached, and was erected into a distinct territorial govern- 
ment. Gen. Hull was appointed by Mr. Jefferson the first go- 
veinour. 

i^ection IX. In the autumn of 1806, a project 
was detected, at the head of which was Col. Burr, 
for revolutionizing the territory west of the Alle- 
ghanies, and of establishing an indepemlent 
empire there, of which New-Orleans was to be 
tlie capital, and himself the chief. Towards 
the accomplishment of this scheme, which it af- 
terward-s appeared had been some time in con- 
templation, the skilful cunning and intrigue of 
Col. Burr were directed. Happily, however, 
government, being apprised of his designs, ar- 
rested him while as yet he had few adherents, 
and before his standard was raised. He was 
l)rought to trial at Richmond on a charge of 
treason committed within the district of Vir- 
ginia ; but no overt act being proved against 
him in that State, lie was released. 

In addition to this project, Col. Burr had formed another, 
which, in case of failure in the first, might be carried on inde- 
pendently of it : — this was an attack ">n Mexico, and the esta- 
blishment of an empire there. " A third object was provided, 
merely ostensible, to wit, the settlement of the pretended pur- 
chase of a tract of country on the Washita, claimed by a Baron 
Bastrop. This was to serve as a pretext for all his prepara- 
tions, an allurement for such followers as really wished to ac- 
quire settlements in thctt country, and a cover under which to 
retreat in the event of a final discomfiture of both b»'anches of 
his real aesigns." 

" He fodnd at once that the attachment of the western country 
to the present union was not to be shaken ; that its dissolution 
could not be effected with the consent of the inhabitants ; and 
that Ills resources were inadequate, as yet, to effect it by force. 
He determined, therefore, to seize New-Orleans, plunder the bank 
there, possess himself of the military and naval stores, and pro- 
ceed on his expedition to Mexico." 

** He collected, therefore, from all quarters, where himself ox 
his agents possessed influence, all the ardent, restless, desperate, 
disaffected persons who were f« t an enterprise analagcus to their 



304 PERIOD IX....1801....1S09. 

chaiar.ters. He also seduced good, well-meaning citizens, some 
by assurances that he possessed the confidence of the government, 
and was acting under its secret patronage ; and others by ofTers 
of land in Bastrop*s claim in the Washita.*'* 

Section X. 1806. To understand the sub- 
sequent political history of the United States, 
and those measures of government which were 
taken in relation to foreign powers, it is neces- 
sary to glance at the state of the European na- 
tions, at this period — particularly that of Eng- 
land and France. These two countries wero 
now at war with each other, and in their con- 
troversies had involved most of the continental 
powers. Towards tlie belligerents, America 
was endeavouring to maintain a neutrality, and 
peaceably to continue a commerce with them. 
It was hardly to be expected, however, that 
Jealousies would not arise between the contend- 
incf powers in relation to the conduct of America, 
and that events would not occur, calculated to 
injure her comiaorce, and disturb her peace. 

In addition to these circumstances, a contro- 
versy had lonj; existed, and continued to exist, 
between the iJnited States and Great Britain, in 
respect to the right of searching neutral ships, 
and impressing seamen. Great Britain claimed 
it as among her prerogatives to take her native 
born subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and 
of pearching American vessels for that purpose. 
As yet no adjustment of this controversy had 
been cftected. Notwithstanding the remon- 
strances of the American government, the offi- 
cers of the British navy not unfrequently seized 
native born British subjects, who had voluntarily 
enlisted on board our vessels. They also im 

* President's Message to Congress, July 21, 1807. 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 305 

pressed into the British service some thousands 
of American seamen. 

Section XI. May 16th, 1806, the British go- 
vernment issued an order in council, declaring 
the ports and rivers from the Elbe, a river in 
Germany, to Brest, a town of France, to be in a 
state of blockade. By this order, American 
vessels, trading to these and intervening ports, 
were liable to seizure and condemnation. 

Section XII. In the ensuing November, 1806, 
Bonaparte issued his celebrated decree at Ber- 
lin, called the " Berlin decree,^^ by which all 
the British Islands were declared to be in a 
state of blockade, and all intercourse with them 
was prohibited. This decree violated the treaty 
between the United States and France, and the 
law of nations. 

- The following are the principal articles of that decree, 
which related to the obstruction of American commerce : 

1. The British Islands are in a state of blockade. 

2. All commerce and correspondence with them is prohibit- 
ed. 

3. No vessel coming directly from England, or her colonies, 
or having been there since the publication of this decree, shall 
be admitted into any port. 

Section XIII. This decree of Bonaparte at 
Berlin, was in part retaliated by the British 
government in an order of council, issued Janu- 
ary 7th, 1807, by vvhich all coasting trade w th 
France was prohibited. 

" Whereas the French government has issued certain orders, 
which purport to prohibit the commerce of ail neutral nations 
with his majesty's dominions," &c. — " his majesty is pleased to 
order that no vessel shall be permitted to trade from one port 
to another, both which ports shall belong to, or be in possession 
of, France or her allies, or shall be so far under their contfoul 
as that British vessels may not freely trade thereat," &c. on pain 
of capture and condemnation. 

Section XIV. While measures were thus tak- 
ing by France and England, whose tendency 

26* 



SOG PERIOD IX....1S01....1809. 

was to injuic American commerce, and to in 
volve her in a controversy with both, an event 
occurred which filled the American people with 
indignation, and called for immediate executive 
notice. This was an attack upon the American 
frigate Chesapeake, Commodore Barron, oft'the 
capes of Virginia, by the British frigate Leop- 
pard of fifty guns. The attack was occasioned 
by the refusal of Commodore Barron to surren- 
der several seamen, who had deserted from the 
British armed ship Melampus, a short time pre- 
vious, and had voluntarily enlisted on board the 
Chesapeake. After crippling the American fri- 
gate, which made no resistance, the commander 
of the Leopard took from her the seamen in 
question, two of whom had been proved to be 
American citizens. 

The persons who deserted from the Melampus, then lying in 
Hampton roads, were William Ware, Daniel Martin, John Stra- 
chan, John Little, and Ambrose Watts. Within a month from 
their escape from the Melampus, the first three of these desert- 
ers offered themselves for enlistment, and were received on 
board the Chesapeake, then at Norfolk, Virginia, preparing for 
sea. 

The British consul at Norfolk, being apprized of this circum- 
stance, wrote a letter to the American naval officer requesting 
these men to be returned. With this request the officer refusing 
to comply, the British agent lost no time in endeavouring to 
procure an order from government for their surrender. In con- 
sequence of this application, the secretary of the navy ordered 
an examination into the characters and claims of the men in 
question. The required examination resulted in proof that 
Ware, Martin, and Strachan, were natives of America. The 
cwo former had protections, or notarial certificates of their being 
American citizens. Strachan had no vrotection, but etsserted 
that he lost it previously to his escape. Such being the circum- 
stances of the men, the government refused to surrender them. 

On the 22d of June, the Chesapeake weighed anchor and 
proceeded to sea. She passed the British ships Bellona and 
Melampus, lying in Lynnhaven bay, whose appearance was 
ft-icndly. There were two other ships that lay off Cape Henry, 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 307 

one of which, the Leopard, Captain Humphreys, weighed an- 
chor, and in a kw hours came along side the Chesapeake. 

A British officer immediately came on board, and demanded 
the deserters. To this, Capt. Barron replied, that he did not 
know of any being there, and that his duty forbade him to al- 
low of any muster of his crew, except by their own officers. 

During this interview, Barron noticed some proceedings of a 
hostile nature on board the adverse ship, but he could not be 
persuaded that any thing but menace was intended by them. 
After the British officer departed, he gave orders to clear his 
gun deck, and after some time, he directed his men to their 
quarters, secretly, and without beat of drum : still, however, 
without any serious apprehensions of an attack. 

Before these orders could be executed, the Leopard com- 
menced a heavy fire. This fire unfortunately was very destruc- 
tive. In about thirty minutes, the hull, rigging, and spars of 
the Chesapeake were greatly damaged, three men were killed 
and sixteen wounded ; among the latter was the captain him- 
self. Such was the previous disorder, that during this time, the 
utmost exertions were insufficient to prepare the ship for action, 
and the captain thought proper to strike his colours. 

The British captain refused to accept the surrender of the 
Chesapeake, but took from her crew. Ware, Martin, and Stra- 
chan, the three men formerly demanded as deserters, and a 
fourth, John Wilson, claimed as a runaway from a merchant 
ship. 

Section XV. Such was the agitation of the 
publick mind, in consequence of this outrage 
committed on the Chesapeake, that the presi- 
dent conceived himself required to notice the 
transaction, and by some decisive publick act, 
to show how deeply America conceived herself 
to be wounded. Accordingly, on the 2d of July, 
the president issued his proclamation, ordering 
all British armed vessels to leave the waters of 
the United States, and forbidding them to enter, 
until satisfaction for the attack on the Chesa- 
peake should be made by the British govern- 
ment. 

Mr. Munroe was at this time the minister of 
the United States, at the court of St. James. 
Early in September, he received the instructions 



SOS PERIOD IX....1801....1809. 

of the American government, pertaining to the 
attack on the Chesapeake, and was required to 
demand reparation for .that attack, and, as an 
essential part of that reparation, security 
against future impressments from American 
ships. The British minister, Mr. Canning, 
however, protested against conjoining the geiie- 
ral question concerning the impressment of 
persons from neutral merchant ships, with the 
particular affray between the Leopard and the 
Chesapeake. 

As Mr. Monroe was not authorized to treat 
these subjects separately, further negotiation 
between these two ministers was suspended, 
and Mr. Rose was appointed, by the British 
government, as a special minister to the United 
States, empowered to treat concerning the par- 
ticular injury complained of, but n(»t to discuss 
the general question of impressing persons from 
merchant ships. 

Section XVI. While such measures were 
taking in England, in relation to the affair of 
the Chesapeake, congress, which had been sum- 
moned before the regular time, by proclamation 
of the president, met on the 27th of October. 

In his messasje to confrress at this time, the president entered 
fully into the state of our relations with Great Britain — informed 
them of a treaty which had been negotiated with the British go- 
vernment, by Messrs. Monroe and Pinckney — but whiih he 
had rejected, princijially because it made no sufficient provision 
on the subject of impressments — stated the affair of the attack 
on the Chesapeake — his proclamation to British armed vessels 
to quit the waters of the United States — his instructions to the 
American minister at London, in relation to reparation expected 
from the Brkish government, and his expectation of speedily hear- 
ing from England the result ofthe measures which had been taken. 

Section XVTT. On the 11th of November, 
were issued at London, the celebrated British 
Orders in Council, retaliatory upon the French 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. SOQ 

government for the Berlin decree of November, 
1806. By these orders in council, France and 
her allies ; all nations at war with Great Britain , 
and all places from which the British flag is ex- 
cluaeu, we***^ declared to be under the same re- 
strictions in point ot trade and navigation, as if 
the same were in a state of blockade. 

Section XVIII. Before the arrival of Mr. 
Rose, congress was sedulously employed in con- 
sidering the state of the nation, and in making 
provision for putting the country in a posture of 
defence. Acts passed, appropriating one mil- 
Hon of dollars to be employed by the presi- 
dent in equipping one hundred thousand of the 
national militia ; eight hundred and fifty-two 
thousand five hundred dollars, for building one 
hundred and eighty-eight gun-boats; one mil- 
lion of dollars, for building, repairing, and com- 
pleting fortifications, and for raising six thou- 
sand six huiidred men, infantry, riflemen, artil- 
lery, and dragoons, as an addition to the stand- 
ing army. On the 22d of December, an act 
passed, laying an embargo on all vessels within 
the jurisdiction of the United States. 

Section XIX. On the 17th of December, Bo- 
naparte, by way of retaliating the British orders 
in council, issued a decree, called " the Milan 
decces^'' declaring every vessel denationalized 
which shall have submitted to a search by a Bri 
tish ship; and every vessel a good prize, which 
shall sail to or from Great Britain, or any of 
its colonies, or countries, occupied by British 
troops. 

Section XX. Mr. Rose arrived in America 
on the 25th of December. The American minis- 
ter was soon after informed, that he, Mr. Rose, 



310 PERIOD IX....1801....180&. 

was expressly forbidden by his government to 
make any proposal, touching the great subject 
of complaint, so long as the president's procla- 
mation of July 2d, excluding British armed ves- 
sels from the waters of the United States, 
should DO m force. 

For a time, the president refused to annul this 
proclamation till the atonement was not only 
solemnly offered, but formally accepted ; but in 
order to elude this difficulty, he finally agreed to 
revoke his proclamation, on the day of the date 
of the act, or treaty, by which reparation should 
be made for the recent violence. This conces- 
sion, however, was built on two conditions ; iirst, 
the terms of reparation which the minister was 
charged to offer, must be previously made 
known; and, secondly, they must be such as by 
the president should be accounted satisfactory. 

But as the British minister declined to offer, 
or even to mention, tiie redress of which he was 
the bearer, till the American proclamation was 
recalled, and the president deeming its recall 
inexpedient, the controversy, for the present, 
closed. 

The controversy respecting the Chesapeake was finally ad- 
justed in November, 1811, at which time the British ministei 
communicated to the secretary of state, that the attack on tha 
Chesapeake was unauthorized by his majesty's »rovernraent— 
that the officer at that time in command on the American coast 
had been recalled — that the men taken from the Chesapeake 
should be restored — and that suitable pecuniary provision should 
be made for those who suffered in the attack, and for the fami- 
lies of the seamen that fell. To these propositions the presi« 
dent acceded. 

Section XXI. The difficulties with Franco 
and England, regarding commerce, still conti- 
nuing, and the existing embargo having failed to 
coerce these powers as was anticipated, into an 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 31 i 

acknowledgment of our rights — a more com- 
plete stop to our intercourse with them was 
deemed advisable by congress. Accordingly, on 
the 1st of March, congress interdicted, by law, 
all trade and intercourse with France and Eng- 
land. 

Section XXII. Mr. Jefferson's second term 
of office expired on the 3d of March. Having 
previously declined a re-election, James Madi- 
son was chosen president, and George Clinton 
vice-president. 



Section XXIII. ^umXtXU* The bitter- 
ness of party spirit which had now raged in the 
United States for some years, began to have a 
visible effect upon society. It interrupted, to na 
small extent, the general harmony, and even re- 
strained the intercourse of friends and neigh- 
bourhoods. The strife for power, also introdu- 
ced a disposition to intrigue ; political cunning 
became fashionable, and political duplicity lost 
much of its deformity. These things necessa- 
rily affected the state of manners. They with- 
drew the finger of derision, which used to point 
at meanness of all kinds, and blunted that love 
of honour, and manliness of conduct, which ex- 
isted before. Cunning began to take the place 
of wisdom; professions answered instead of 
deeds; and duplicity stalked forth with the 
boldness of integrity. 

Section XXIV. 3irU0iOtf« Powerful revi- 
mls of religion pervaded the country during this 
period, and tended strongly to prevent open in- 



312 PERIOD IX....180I....1809. 

fidelity, and to check the tide of pollution which 
was invisibly spread over the land. 

Sectioji XXV. STtra^e an5 ©ommttce. 

Trade and commerce made great advances 
about the year 1803. The European powers 
being involved in war, and the United States re- 
maining neutral, our vessels carried to Europe, 
not only the produce of our own country, but 
also the produce of other countries. This is 
usually called the carrying trade, and was very 
profitable to the country. 

In 1805, G, and 7, our average annual exports amounted to 
one hundred and two millions, five hundred and sixty-seven 
thousand, four hundred and fifty-four dollars, of which forty-four 
millions, eight hundred and sixty-three thousand, five hundred 
and seventeen dollars, were for domestick produce, and fiftj'- 
seven millions, seven hundred and one thousand, nine hundred 
and thirty-seven dollars, for foreign produce. The annual 
average of imports during these three years, amounted to about 
one hundred and forty millions of dollars ; a large proportion 
of the articles, forming this amount, were re-exported to the West 
Indies, South America, and elsewhere. 

After the year 1807, the commercial restrictions laid by 
France and England, began to curtail our trade, and the em- 
bargo, imposed at the close of the same year, by our own govern- 
ment, interrupted it still more esentially. 

Section XXYl. ^0liCttUUtt* Agriculture, 
during a part of this period, received great en- 
couragement from our foreign trade. Europe 
being involved in contentions, the people had 
little leisure there to cultivate the soil ; they 
were therefore supplied from other countries, 
and the United States furnished them with a 
great amount, and were thence deriving great 
profits, when the commercial restrictions inter- 
rupted the trade. 

The first merino sheep were introduced into the country, in 
1802, by Robert R. Livingston, and the same year, a greater 
number, one hundred, by Gen. Humphreys, then late minister 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 3 : 3 

to Spain. Great attention was paid to the breeding of then •, 
«ind they are now numerous in the United States. 

Section XXVll. ^tt^ Utltf ^atlUUi^ 

tUVt^* Arts and manufactures still progressed. 

Section XXVIII. 3^a|lttUtiOn. The popu- 
lation of the United States, at the close of Mr. 
Jefferson's administration, was about seven mil- 
lions. 

SectionXXlX. fStHntntion* The enlightened 
views respecting the importance of general in- 
formation, entertained before, continued to pre- 
vail. New literary and scientifick publications 
were commenced; more enlightened methods 
of instruction were adopted ; academies were 
multiplied ; colleges founded ; and theological 
seminaries liberally endowed. 

A theological seminary was founded at Andover, Massachu- 
setts, in 1808. The amount, which has been contributed for 
its permanent use, and which was given by six families, is more 
than three hundred thousand dollars. This sura includes the 
permanent fund, library, and publick buildings. In 1 822, the 
officers were four professors, and the number of students, one 
hundred and thirty-two. The library contains about five tho«i» 
sand volumes. A majority of the students are supported -pi 
whole, or in part, by charity. 

27 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR MADISOn's ADMINISTRATION, 
AND THE LATE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN, 

Extending from the inauguration of President 
Mndiaon^ 1809, to the inauguration of JaTnes 
Monroe J as president of the United States, 
1817. 

Section I. On tlie 4th of March, 1809, Mr. 
Madison wan inducted into the office of president 
of the United States, according to the form pro- 
scribed by tlie constitution. 

The situation of the United States, on the 
accession of Mr. Madison to the presidency, 
was in several respects gloomy and critical. 
The two great powers of Europe, France and 
England, were still at war, and were continuing 
to array against each other the most violent 
commercial edicts, both in contravention of the 
laws of nations, and of their solemn treaties ; 
and calculated to injure and destroy the com- 
merce of nations desirous of preserving a neu- 
trality. America was also further suffering un- 
der the restrictions of commerce, imposed by 
her own government. Every effort to secure 
the due observance of her rights, by the con- 
tending powers, had hitherto failed, and the sad 
alternative was presenting itself to the American 
people, either to suffer the evils growing out of 
foreign and doraestick restrictions, or to take up 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S15 

aims, and risk the consequence of a war with 
the belligerents. 

Section II. Previously to the adjournment of 
the last congress, under Mr. Jeiibraon, an act 
passed, as already noticed, 1st of March, re- 
pealing the then existing embargo, and inter- 
dicting conmiercial intercourse with France and 
Great Britain. Should either of these powers, 
lowever, revoke their edicts, the president was 
luthorized to renew the intercoursCo 

April 18th. the British minister, Mr. Erskine, 
informed the secretary of state, Mr. Smith, that 
his majesty's government, considering the non- 
intercourse act, passed March l>>t, ms having 
produced an equality in the relatic^ns of the two 
belligerent powers with respect to tiie United 
States, would be willing to rescind the orders 
in council of .January and November, !H()7, so 
far as it respected the United States, provided 
the president would issue a proclamation for the 
renewal of intercourse witli Great Britain. This 
proposal was readily accepted. The British 
minister, inconsequence of this acceptance, stat- 
ed himself authorized to declare t'.iat the above 
orders in council would be withdrawn as it re- 
spected the United States, on th«' succeeding 
10th o/ me. A proclamation by the president 
soon aft ;r followed, renewing the intercourse 
with Great Britain, from and after that time. 

This event produced the highest satisfaction 
throughout the country ; but was speedily fol- 
lowed by a disappointment as great. The 
British government denied the authority of Mr. 
Erskine, to enter into any such stipulations, and 
refused its ratification. On learnini^ this refusal, 
the president issued his proclamation, August 



316 PERIOJa X. »1809->I817. 

lOtli, renewing the non-intercourse with Great 
Britain. 

Section III. Early in September, Mr. Jackson 
arrived at Washington, as successor of Mr 
Erskine. A correspondence was soon com- 
menced between tJiis minister and the secretai7 
of state, which, after continuing several weeks^ 
without adjusting any diftercnces between the 
t^vo countries, was suddenly closed, by the pre- 
sident, on account of an alleged insult on the 
part of Mr. Jackson. 

In the course of correspondence with the secretary, Mr. 
Jackson liad repeatedly asserted that the American executive 
could not but know from tlie powers exhibited hy Mr. ErsKine, 
tliat in the above stipulations he had transcended those powers, 
and was therefore acting without the authority of his govern 
ment. This was deemed l)y the executive ecjuivalent to a de 
claration, that the American government did know that M» 
Erskine was exceeding his powers. The Uritiah minister d»- 
nied the legitimacy t)f such an inference — but the executive, re 
garding his language as reflecting ujxm the honour and integrity 
of the American government, closed the correspondence — soon 
after which, Mr. Jackson was recalled, but without the censure 
of his government. 

Section IV. 1810. On the 23d of March, Bo- 
naparte issued a decree, usually called tiie 
"Rambouillet decree," designed to retaliate the 
act of congress, passed March 1st, 1809, which 
forbade French vessels entering the pnrts of the 
United States. By the above decree, dl Ame- 
rican vessels and cargoes, arriving in aiiy of the 
ports of France, or of countries occupied by 
French troops, were ordered to be seized and 
condemned. 

Section Y. On the 1st of May, congress 
passed an act, excluding; British and French 
armed vessels from the waters of the United 
States ; but, at the same time, providing, that in 
irase either of the above nations should modify 



MADISON»S ADMINISTRATION. SI7 

its edicts before the third of March, 1811, so 
that they should cease to violate neutral com- 
merce, of which fact the president was to give 
notice by proclamation, and the other nation 
should not, within three months after, pursue a 
similar step, commercial intercourse with the 
former might be renewed, but not with the 
latter. 

Section VI. In consequence of this act of the 
American government, the French minister, the 
Duke of Cadore, at Paris, informed the Ameri- 
can minister, Mr. Armstrong, then in France, 
that the Berlin and Milan decrees were revoked, 
and that, from and after the 1st of November, 
they would cease to have effect. But, at the 
same time, it was subjoined, that it was " un- 
derstood, that, in consequence of this declara- 
tion, the English shall revoke their orders in 
council, &c." About the same time it was an- 
nounced that the Rambouillet decree had also 
been rescinded. 

Although the condition subjoined to the 
Duke of Cadore's declaration rendered it doubt- 
ful whether the Berlin and Milan decrees would 
in fact cease to take effect after the 1st of No- 
vember, the president issued his proclamation 
on the 2d of that month, declaring that those 
decrees were revoked, and that intercourse be- 
tween the United States and France might be 
renewed. 

Section VII. While the affairs of America, in 
relation to the belligerents, were in this posture, 
an unhappy engagement took place. May 1811, 
between the American frigate President, com- 
manded by Capt. Rogers, and a British sloop 
of war, the I^ittle Belt, commanded by Capt. 

27* 



518 PERIOD X....1809....1S17. 

Bingham The attack was commenced by the 
latter vessel, without provocation, and, in the 
rencontre, suffered greatly in her men and rig- 
ging- 

A court of inquiry was ordered on the conduct of Captain 
Rogers, which decided that it had been satisfactorily proved to 
the court, that Ca>pt. Rogers hailed the Little Belt first — that 
his hail was not satisfactorily answered — that the Little Belt 
fired the first gun — and that it was without previous provoca- 
tion or justifiable cause, &c. &c. 

Section VIII. Congress was assembled by 
proclamation on the 5th of November. In his 
message at the opening of the session, the pre- 
sident indicated the expectation of hostilities 
with Great Britain at no distant period, since 
her orders in council, instead of being with- 
drawn, were, when least to have been expected, 
put into more rigorous execution. 

" I must now add," continues the president in his message, 
■' that the period has arrived which claims from the legislative 
guardians of the national rights, a system of more ample pro- 
vision for maintaining them.''- — " With" such full " evidence 
of the hostile inflexibility" of Great Britain, " in trampling on 
rights which no independent nation can relinquish, congress 
will feel the duty of putting the United States into an armour 
and an attitude demanded by the crisis, and corresponding with 
(he national spirit and expectations." 

On the 29th, the committee on foreign rela- 
tions presented their report, in which, adopting 
the language of the president's message, they 
strongly recommended, " That the United 
States be immediately put into an armour and 
attitude demanded by the crisis, and corres- 
ponding with the national spirit and expecta- 
tions." Bills agreeable to this recommenda- 
tion passed congress preparatory to a state of 
hostilities, among which was one for raising 
twenty-five thousand men. 

Section IX. In December, the president com- 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 31<> 

nunicated to congress an official account of the 
battle of " Tippacanoe^'' — near a branch of the 
Wabash — fought November 7th, between an 
army under Gen. Harrison, governor of the In- 
diana territory, and a large body of Indians, in 
which the latter were defeated 

The attack was commenced by the Indians about four o'clock 
in the morning, while the army of Harrison were in a measure 
imprepared. But notwithstanding this disadvantage, after a 
hard fought action, the Indians were repulsed with a loss of 
nearly seventy killed, and upwards of a hundred wounded. 
The loss of the Americans was severe, being, according to offi 
cial return, one hundred and eighty-eight in killed and wounded, 

Section X. During the following year, 1812," 
Louisiana was admitted into the union as a so- 
vereign state. 

Until the year 1811, Louisiana comprehended that vast tract 
of country which was ceded to the United States by France, in 
1803. At that time, hr)wever, the Territory of Orleans, which 
was then a distinct territorial government, assumed the name of 
Louisiana, and was admitted the following year as a state into 
the Union; since which time, the remaining portion of original 
Louisiana has received distinct denominations. 

Louisiana was first discovered in 1541. by Ferdinand de Soto. 
In 1683, Monsieur de la Salle, an enterprising Frenchman, 
sailed up the Mississippi a considerable distance, and named 
the country Louisiana, in honour of Louis XIV. A French 
settlement was begun in 1699, by M. d'Ibberville, in Lower 
Louisiana, near the mouth of the river Perdido. The progress 
of the colony was slow. In 1712, although twenty-five hundred 
emigrants had arrived, only four hundred whites and twenty ne- 
groes were alive. 

About this time, the French government made a grant of the 
country to M. de Crozat for a term of ten years ; but after 
five years he relinquished his patent to the Mississippi company 
In the same year, 1717, the city of Orleans was founded. 

By the treaty of 1763, all Louisiana east of the Mississip- 
pi, was ceded to England, together with Mobile, and all the 
possessions of France in that quarter. About the same time, 
the possessions of France west of the Mississippi were secretly 
ceded to Spain. After the cession to Great Britain, that part 
of the territory which lay west of the Mississippi received the 
name of West Florida. On the breaking out of the revolution" 



i20 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

*ary war, Spain, after considerable hesitation, took part with t!j« 
United States, incited, probably, by the hope of regaining her 
possessions east of the Mississippi. In 1779, Galvoy, the go- 
vernour of Louisiana, took possession of Baton Rouge ; and the 
otiier settlements of the English in Florida surrendered succes« 
sively. By the treaty of 1783, the JMississippi was made the 
western boundary of the United States from its source to the 
31st degree of latitude, and following this line to the St. Mary's. 
By a treaty of the same date, the Floiidas were ceded to Spain 
without any specifick boundaries. This omission led to a con- 
troversy between the United States and Spain, which nearly 
terminated in hostilities. By a treaty with Spain, however, in 
1795, boundary lines were amicably settled, and New-Orleans 
was granted to American citizens as a place of deposit for their 
effects for three years and longer, mdess some other place ol 
equal importance should be assigned. No other place being as- 
signed within that time, New-Orleans continued to be used as 
before. 

In 1800, a secret treaty was signed at Paris, by the plenipo- 
tentiaries of France and Spain, by which Louisiana was guaran- 
teed to France, and, in 1801, the cession was actually made. 
At the same time, the Spanish intendant of Louisiana was in- 
structed to make arrangements to deliver the country to the 
French commissioners, in violation of the treaty of Spain with 
the United States, the intendant, by his proclamation of Octo- 
ber, 1802, forbade American citizens any longer to deposit 
merchandize in the port of New-Orleans. Upon receiving in- 
telligence of this prohibition, great sensibility prevailed in con- 
gress, and a proposition was made to occupy the place by force ; 
but after an animated discussion the project was relinquished, 
and negotiations with France were commenced by Mr. Jeffer- 
son, for the purchase of the whole country of Louisiana, which 
ended in an agreement to that effect, signed at Paris, April 30th, 
] 803, by which the United States were to pay to France fifteen 
millions of dollars. Early in December, 1803, the commission- 
ers of Spain delivered possession to France ; and on the 20th 
of the same month, the authorities of France duly transferred 
the country to the United States. Congress had provided for 
this event, and under their act, William C. C. Claiborne was 
appointed governour. By an act of March, 1 804, that part of 
the ceded country which lay south of the parallel of thirty-three 
degrees was separated from the rest, and called the Territory 
of Orleans. In l&l 1, this district was erected into a state, an J 
in 1812, was admitted into the Union by the name of Louis- 
iana. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 321 

Section XI. On the 3d of April, Iffl^, con- 
gress passed an act laying an embargo for 
ninety days on all vessels within the jurisdiction 
of the United States, agreeably to a recommen- 
dation of the president. This measure, it was 
understood, was preparatory to a war with 
Great Britain, which the executive would soon 
urge upon congress to declare. 

Section XII. On the 4th of June, 1812, a bill 
declaring war against Great Britain, passed the 
house of representatives, by a majority of seven- 
ty-nine to forty-nine. After a discussion of this 
bill in the senate till the 17th, it passed that 
body also, by a majority of nineteen to thirteen, 
and the succeeding day, 18th,* received the sig- 
nature of the president. 

The principal grounds of war was set forth in 
a message of the president to congress, June 1 st, 
and was further explained by the committee on 
foreign relations in their report on the subject 



* The following are the orders in council, French decrees, and the con- 
gequent acts of the American government, with their respective dates, pr*- 
gentf'd in one view. 

1806, ''^'ay 16th, British blockade from the Elbe to Brest. 
" N6v. 21st, Berlin decree. 

1807, Jan. 6th, British order in council prohibiting the coasting trade. 
" Nov. 11th, The celebrated British orders in council 

" Pec. 17th, Milan decree. 

" Dec. 22d, American embargo. 

1809, March 1st, Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France, esU- 

blished by congress. 
" April 10th, Mr. Erskine's negotiation, which opened the trade 

with England. 
" June 19th, Non intercourse with Great Britain. 

1810, March 18th, Rambouillet decree. 

" May 1st, Act of congress conditionally opening the trade with 

England and France. 
" Nov. 2d, President's proclamation declaring the French deereeste 

be rescinded. 
1812, April 4th, Araeriran embargo. 
" June 18th, Declaration of war by the United States a^oinat Great 

Britaio. 



S22 PERIOD X....1809....i817. 

of the message, were summarily — The impress- 
ment of American seamen by the British; the 
blockade of her enemies' ports, supported by 
no adequate force, in consequence of which, the 
American commerce had been plundered in 
every sea, and the great staples of the country 
cut oiF from their legitimate markets, and the 
British orders in council. 

On these grounds, the president urged the declaration of war. 
In unison with the recommendation of the president, the com* 
mittee on ibreign relations concluded their report as follows : 

" Your committee, believing tiiat the freeborn sons of America 
are worthy to enjoy the liberty which their fathers purchased al 
ihe price of much blood and treasure, and seeing by the mea- 
sures adopted by Great Britain, a course commenced and per- 
sisted in, which might lead to a loss of national character and 
independence, feel no hesitation in advising resistance by force, 
in whicJi the Americans of the present day will prove to the 
enemy, and the world, that we have not only inherited that li- 
berty which our fathers gave us, but also the will and power to 
maintain it. Relying on the patriotism of the nation, and con« 
fidently trusting that the Lord of Hosts will go with us to battl*" 
in a righteous cause, and crown our efforts with success— your 
committee recommend an immediate appeal to arms.'' 

Against this declaration of war, the minority in the house of 
representatives, among which were found the principal part of 
the delegation from New-England, in an address to their consti- 
tuents, solemnly protested, on the ground that thf wrongs ot 
which the United States complained, ahliough in some respects 
grievous, were not of a nature, in the present state of the world, 
to justify war, or such as war would be likely to remedy. On 
(he subject of impressment, they urged that the question between 
the two countries had once been honourably and satisfactorily 
settled, in the treaty negotiated with the British court by Messrs, 
Monroe and Pinckney, and although that treaty had not been 
ratified by Mr. Jefferson, the arrangements might probably again 
be made. In relation to the second cause of war — the blockada 
of her enemies' ports without an adequate force — the minority 
replied that this was not designed to injure the commerce of the 
United States, but was retaliatory upon France, which had taken 
the lead in aggressions up-m neutral rights. In addition, it waj 
said, that, as the repeal of the French decrees had been o/ficial* 
ly announced, it was to be expected that a revocation of the or* 
ders in council would soon follow. 



MADISON'S ADMINSITRATIO!^. 333 

In conclusion of the protest, the minority spoke as follows : 

" The undersigned cannot refrain from asking what are the 
United States to gain by this war ? Will the gratification of 
some privateersmen compensate the nation for that sweep of our 
legitimate commerce by the extended marine of our enemy, 
whir h this desperate act invites ? Will Canada compensate the 
middle States for New- York ; or the western States Ajr New- 
Orleans ? Let us not be deceived. A war of invasion may in- 
vite a retort of invasion. When we visit the peaceable, and to 
us innocent colonies of Great Britain with the horrours of war, 
can we be assured that our own coast will not be visited with 
like horrours. 

" At a cnsis of the world, sucA as the present, and under im- 
pressions such as tln'se, the undersigned could not consider the 
war into which the United States have in secret been precipi- 
ated, as necessary, or required by any moral duty, or any poli- 
tical expediency." 

As a difference of views respecting the war, which had now 
been declared, prevailed in congress, so the country generally 
was divided into two opposite parties respecting it. The friends 
of the administration universally commending, and its opposers 
us extensively censuring and condemning the measure. By the 
former, the war was strenuously urged to be unavoidable and 
just; by the latter, with equal decision, it was pronounced to be 
impolitick, unnecessary, and unjust. 

Section XIII. The military establishments 
of the United States, upon the declaration of 
war, were extremely defective. Acts of congress 
permitted the enlistment of twenty-five thousand 
men, but few enlisted. The president was au- 
thorized to raise fifty thousand volunteers, and 
to call out one hundred thousand militia, for the 
purpose of defending the sea-coast and the fron- 
tiers. But the want of proper officers was now 
felt, as the ablest revolutionary heroes had paid 
the debt of nature. Such was the situation of 
at the commencement of hostilities. 

Section XIV. August 16th, Gen. Hull, go- 
vernour of Michigan, who had been sent at the 
head of about two thousand five hundred men 
to Detroit, with a view of putting an end to In- 



things 



]^ PBRIOD X....1S09.^1S17. 

dion hosuilitios in that country, surrendered Ids 
virmy to Cien. Brock, without a battle, and wiUi 
it the fort at Detroit. 

Tin* sonsations produced by tliis oroiinoiico throu}<l)Out tli«" 
ITuited Statos, and pariioularly in tlio western country, can 
scarcely be described. J>o entirely unprt^pared was the publicU 
mind lor this extraordinary event, that no one could believe it 
10 have taken place until counnunicateii froni an orticial source, i 

In his oiiicial despatch, Hull took great pjiins to frtv his con- 
duct from censure. Auioiiji the reasons for his surreHikr, and-, 
those which iletermined hini to that coui-se, he assigned the want 
of provision to sustain the siesje, the expected reinforeements o» 
the enemy, and the savape ferocity of tlk? Indians, should he ul 
timately be obliged to capitulate. 

The government, however, not being satisfied with his excuses 
ordered a court martial, bcfoi-e which he was charged with trea ' 
son, cowardice, and unollicerlike conduct. On the first charge 
the court declined giving an opinion : iin tlie two last he was- 
sentenced to death ; but was recommended to mercy in conse- 
quence of his revolutionary services, and his advanced agr.^ 
The senti'nce wn\s rtnnitted by the president ; but his name was; 
ordered to be struck fi-om the rolls of the ainiy. [ 

Section XV. About the middle of August,, 
tliat scrirs of splendid naval achievements, for 
which this war was distinjruished, was com- 
menced by Capt. Isaac Hull, of the United; 
States' frigate Constitution, who captured tlie. 
British frigate Guerriere, commanded by Capt., 
Dacres. 

The American frigate was superiour in force only by a few 
guns, but the ditVen-nce bort^ no comparison to the disparity ot 
the conflict. The loss of the Constitution was seven killed, 
and seven wounded, while that on board the Guerriere was .' 
fifteen killed, and sixty-three woimded, among tlie latter was • 
Capt. Dacres. The Constitution sustained so little injury that ^ 
she w^as ready for aetion the succe»Hling day. But the British 
I'rigate was so nmch damaged that she was set on fire and burnt. \ 

Section XVI. Upon tlie dechiration of war, 
the attention of the American general was turned 
towards the invasion of Canada, for which eight » 
or t'jn tliousand men, and considerable military 
stores were collected at dillerent points along 



MAD1S0N''3 ADMINISTRATION. 32^ 

the Canada line. Bkilful officers of the navy 
were also despatched for the purpose of arming 
vessels on Lake Erie, Ontario, and Champlain, 
if possible to gain the ascendency there, and to 
aid the operations of the American forces. 

The American troops were distributed into 
three divisions — One under Gen. Harrison, 
called the North WcHtern army ; a second un- 
der Gen. Stephen Van Rensellaer, at Lewis- 
town, called the army of the Centre ; and a 
third under the commander in chief, Gen. Dear- 
born, in the neighbourhood of Plattsburg and 
Greenbush, called the army of the North, 

Section XVII. Early on the morning of the 
13th of October, 1812, a detachment of about 
one thousand men, from the army of the Centre, 
crossed the river Niagara, and attacked the 
British on Queenstown heights. This detach- 
ment, under the command of Col. v^olomon Van 
Rensellaer, succeeded in dislodging the ene- 
my — but not being reinforced by the militia 
from the American side, as was expected, they 
were ultimately repulsed, and were obliged to 
surrender. The British Gen. Brock was killed 
during the engagement. 

The forces designated to storm the heights, were divided into 
two columns : one of three hundred militia, under Col. Van 
Rensellaer, the other of three hundred regulars, under Col. 
Christie. These were to be followed by Col. Fenwick's artille- 
ry, and then the other troops in order. 

Much embarrassment w?»s experienced by the boats from the 
eddies, as well as by the shot of the enemy, in crossing (he river. 
Col. Van Rensellaer led the van, and landed first with one hun- 
dred men. Scarcely had he leaped from the boat, wtien he re- 
ceived four severe wounds. Being, however, able to stand, he 
ordered his officers to move with rapidity and storm the fori 
This service was gallantly f>erformed, and the enemy were dri- 
ftn down the hill in every direction. 

Both parties were now reinforced — the Americans by rt^lari 

28 



326 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

and militia — the British by the forty*ninth regiment, consisting 
of six hundred regulars, under Gen. Brock. Upon this, the con- 
flict was renewed, in which Gen. Brock, and his aid, Captain 
M'Donald, fell almost in the same moment. After a desperate 
engagement, tiie enemy were repulsed, and the victory was 
thought complete. 

Gen. Van Rensellaer now crossed over, for the purpose of 
fortifying the heights, preparatory to another attack, should the 
repulsed enemy be reinforced. This duty he assigned to Lieut. 
Totten, an able engineer. 

But the fortune of the day was not yet decided. At three 
o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy, being reinforced by several 
hundred Chippewa Indians, rallied, and again advanced, but 
were a third time repulsed. At this moment. Gen. Van Ren- 
sellaer, perceiving the militia on the opposite side embarking 
but slowly, hastily recrossed the river, to accelerate their move- 
ments. But what was his chagrin, on reaching the American 
side, to hear more than twelve hundred of the militia positiyely 
refuse to embark. The sight of the engagement had cooled 
that ardour which, previously to the attack, the commander 
in chief could scarcely restrain. While their countrymen were 
nobly struggling for victory, they could remain idle spectators 
of the scene. AH that a brave, resolute, and benevolent com- 
mander could do. Gen. Van Rensellaer did — he urged, entreat- 
ed, commanded, but it was all in vain. Eight hundred British 
soldiers, from Fort George, now hove in sight, and pressed on to 
renew the attack. The Americans, for a time, continued to 
struggle against this force, but were finally obliged to surrender 
themselves prisoners of war. 

The number of American troops killed amounted to about 
sixty, and about one hundred were wounded. Those that sur- 
rendered themselves prisoners of war, including the wounded, 
were about seven hundred. The loss of the British is unknown, 
but it must have been severe. 

Although the issue of this battle was unfortunate, seldom has 
American valour shone more conspicuously, or a victory beer 
relinquished with more reluctance. Had but a small part of th« 
" idle men" passed over at the critical moment, when urged bj 
their brave commander, revolutionary history can tell of few 
nobler achievements than this would have been. 

Section XVIII. On the 17th of October, an- 
other naval victory was achieved over an enemy 
decidedly superiour in force, and under circum- 
stances the most favourable to him. This was 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 32? 

the capture of the brig Frolick, of twenty-two 
guns, by the sloop of war Wasp. 

Captain Jones had returned from France two weeks after the 
declarat/on of war, and on the 13th of October, again put to sea- 
On the l7th, he fell in with six merchant ships, under convoy 
of a brig, and two ships, armed with sixteen guns each. T tie 
brig, which proved to be the FroHck, Capt. vVhinyates, di )p- 
ped behind, while the others made sail. At half past eleven, 
the action began by the enemy's cannon anJ musketry. In five 
minutes, the raain-top-mast was shot away, and falling down, 
with the raain-top-sail yard across the larboard fore and fore- 
top-sail, rendered her head yards unmanageable, during 
the rest of the action. In two minutes more, her gaff, and 
niizen top-gallant-raast were shot away. The sea being ex* 
ceedingly rough, the muzzles of the Wasp's guns were some- 
times under water. 

The English fired as their vessel rose, so that their shot was 
either thrown away, or touched only the rigging of the Ameri- 
cans ; the AVasp, on the contrary, fired as she sunk, anr* every 
time struck the hull of her antagonist. The fire of the Frolick 
was soon slackened, and Captain Jones d'^termined to board 
her. As the crew leaped on board the enemy's vessel, tli«?ir 
surprise can scarcely be imagined, as they foiuid no person on 
deck, except three officers and the seaman at the wheel. The 
deck was slippery with blood, and presented a scene of havock 
and ruin. The officers now threw down their swords in sub- 
mission, and Lieut. Biddle, of the Wasp, leaped ilito the rig»- 
ging, to haul down the colours, which were still flyisg. Thus, 
in forty-three minutes, ended one of tlie most bloody confiicts 
recorded in naval history. The loss, on boai d the Frolick, was 
thirty killed, and fifty wounded ; on board the Wasp, five were 
killed, and five slightly wounded. The Wasp and Frolick 
wei-e both captured the same day, by a British seventy-fonr, the 
Poicliers, Capt. Beresford. 

Section XIX. The above splendid achieve- 
ment of Capt. Jones was followed on the :25th 
of October by another not much less splendid 
and decisive, by Commodore Decatur, of the fri- 
gate United States of forty-four guns, who cap- 
tured the Macedonian off the Western Isles, a 
frigate of the largest class, mounting forty-nine 
guns, and manned with three hundred men. 

In this action, which continued an hour and a half, the Mace* 



328 PERIOD X....1809....1S17. 

(Ionian lost ihirly-six killed, and sixty-eigUt wounded : on board 
the United States, seven only were killed, and five wounded. 
The British Irigate lost her main-mast, main-top-niast, and 
main-yard, and Vi^as injured in her hull. The United States 
suflered so little, that a return to port was imnecessary. 

An act of generosity and benevolence on the part of ouv 
brave tars, of this victorious frigate, deserves to be honourably 
recorded. The carpenter, who was unfortunately killed in tht 
conflict with the Macedonian, had left three small children tt 
the care of a worthless mother. When the circumstance be 
came known to the brave seamen, they instantly made a contri 
bution amongst themselves, to the amount of eight hundred doi 
lars, and placed it in safe hands, to be appropriated to the edu 
cation and maintenance of the unhappy orphans. 

Section XX. December 29th a second naval 
victory was achieved by the Constitution, then 
commanded by Com. Bainbridge, over the 
Java, a British frigate of thirty-eight guns, but 
carrying forty-nine, with four hundred men, 
commanded by Capt. Lambert, who was mor- 
tally wounded. 

This action was fought olTSt. SaJvador, and continued nearly 
two hours, when the Java struck, having lost sixty killed and 
one hundred and twenty wounded. The Constitution had uin€ 
men killed, and twenty-five wounded. On the 1st of January, 
the commander, finding his prize incapable of being brought in, 
was obliged to burn her. 

Section XXI. Thus ended the year 1812. 
With the exception of the naval victories alrea- 
dy mentioned, and some others of the samo 
kind, equallv honourable to America, nothing 
important was achieved. Neither of the armies 
destined for the invasion of Canada had obtain- 
ed any decisive advantage, or were in posses- 
sion of any post in that territory. Further pre- 
parations, however, were making for its con- 
quest. Naval armaments were collecting on the 
lakes ^ and the soldiers, in their winter quar- 
ters, were looking forward to " battles fought 
and victories won." 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 829 

Seciion XXII. 1813. January 22d, a bloody 
action was fouglit at the river Raisin, between a 
detachment from the north-western army, ex- 
ceeding seven hundred and fifty men, under 
Gen. Winchester, and a combined force of Bri- 
tish and Indians, amounting to one thousand 
five hundred men, under Gen. Proctor. Many 
of the Americans were killed and wounded. 
Among the latter was Gen. Winchester. The 
remainder, on surrendering themselves prison- 
ers of war, were nearly all inhumanly massa- 
cred by the Indians, contrary to the express sti- 
pulations of Gen. Proctor. 

The station of General Harrison, the commander of tb" north- 
western army, was at this time at Franklinton. General Win- 
chester was stationed at Fort Defiance, half way between Fort 
Wayne, on the Miami, and Lake Erie, with eight hundred 
troops, chiefly young men, of the first respectability, from Ken- 
tucky. Leaining that a body of British and Indians was about 
to concentrate at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, he sent a de- 
tachment to protect that place. Before the arrival of the de- 
tachment, Frenchtown wat- occupied by a party of the enemy, 
but they were dislodged after a severe engagement, in which the 
Americans had twelve killed, and fifty-five wounded. 

On the 20th, General Winchester joined the detachment at 
Frenchtown, with the remainder of his troops, and, on the 22d, 
the battle of Raisin was fought. After a desperate conflict, in 
which many on both sides were killed, the Americans surren- 
dered, with the express stipulation of being protected from the 
Indians. 

Contrary, however, to these stipulations, the savages were 
permitted to indulge their full thirst for blood. The tomahawk 
was mercilessly buried in many a bosom, and the scalping knife 
wantonly tore the crown from many a head. 

Even the last sad rites of sepulture were forbidden, by their 
murderers, and the remains of these brave youth of Kentucky 
lay on the ground, beat by the storms of Heaven, and exposed 
to the beasts of the forest, until the ensuing autumn, when their 
friends and relations ventured to gather up their bleaching bonesj 
and consigned them to the tomb. 

Section XXIII. During the winter, an en- 
gagement took place between the Hornet, Cop- 



dSO PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

tain James Lawrence, and the British sloop of 
war Peacock, Captain William Peake, off South 
America. This action lasted but fifteen minutes, 
when the Peacock struck. 

On her surrendering, a signal of distress was discovered, on 
board the Peacock. She iiad been so much damaged, that, al- 
ready, she had six feet of water in her hold, and was sinking fast 
Boats were immediately despatched for the wounded, andeverj 
measure taken^ which was practicable, to keep her afloat until 
the crew could be removed. Her guns were thrown overboardj, 
the shot hcies were plugged, and a part of the Hornet's crew^ 
at the imminent hazard of their lives, laboured incessantly to 
rescue the vanquished. The utmost efforts of these generous 
men were, however, vain ; the conquered vessel sunk in the 
niidst of them, carrying down nine of her own crew and three 
of the A.mericans. With a generosity becoming them, the crew 
of the Hornei divided their clothing with the prisoners, who wer€i 
left destitute by the sinking ship. In the action the Hornet re- 
ceived but a slight injury. The killed and wounded, on board 
the Peacockj were supposed to exceed fifty. 

Section XXIV. On the 4th of March, 1813, 
Mr. Madison entered upon his second term of 
office, as president of the United States; having 
been re-elected by a considerable majority, 
though De Witt Clinton, of New- York, was sup- 
ported by the federal electors. George Clinton 
was elected vice president : he died, however, 
soon after, and Elbridge Gerry succeeded him. 

Section XXV. It having been communicated 
to the American government, that the emperour 
of Russia was desirous of seeing an end put to 
the hostilities between Great Britain and Ame- 
rica, and had offered to mediate between the 
two countries, Messrs. Albert Gallatin, James 
A. Bayard, and John Quincy Adams, were, 
early in the spring, 1813, appointed commis- 
sioners to Russia, to meet such commissioners 
aa should be sent by the British court, and were 
empowered to negotiate a treaty of peace and 
commerce with Great Britain 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 331 

Section XXVf . During ihe winter, which had 
now passc<l, Great Britain sent a number of 
troops to Halifax, and made considerable pre- 
parations for the defence of Canada. Similar 
preparations had been urged by the American 
government, with the hope of completing the 
conquest of that territory, before the close of 
another campaign. 

About the middle of April, the commander in 
chief. Gen. Dearborn, determined to attack 
York, the capital of Upper Canada, the great 
depository of British military stores, whence the 
western ports were supplied. Accordingly, on 
the 27th, a successful attack was made, and 
York fell into the hands of the Americans, with 
all its stores. 

The commaiid of the troops, one thousand seven hundred, de- 
tached for this purpose, was given to Gen. Pike. On the 25th, 
the fleet under Commodore Chauncey, moved down the lake, 
with^the troops from Sackett's Harbour, and, on the 27th, arriv- 
ed at the place of debarkation, about two miles westward from 
iTork, and one and a half from the enemies' works. The Bri- 
tish consisting of about seven hundred and fifty regulars, and 
five hundred Indians, under Gen. Sheaffe, attempted to oppose 
the landing, but were thrown into disorder, and fled to their gar- 
rison. 

Gen. Pike, having formed nis men, proceeded towards the 
enemies' fortifications. On their near approach to the barracks, 
about sixty rods from the garrison, an explosion of a magazine 
took place, previously prepared for the purpose, which killed 
about one hundred of the Americans, among whom was the gal' 
lant Pike. 

Pike lived to direct his troops, for a moment thrown into dis- 
order, " to move on." This they now did under Coi. Pearce ; 
and, proceeding towards the town, took possession of the barracks. 
On approaching it, they were met by the officers of the Canada 
militia, with ofiers of capitulation. At four o'clock the troops 
entered the town. 

The loss of the British in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 
amounted to seven hundred and fifty — the Americans lost, in 
killed and wounded, about three hundred. 



S32 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

Section XXVII. During the remainder of the 
spring, the war continued along the Canada 
line, and on some parts of the sea board ; but 
nothing important was achieved by either power. 
The Chesapeake Bay was blockaded by the 
British, and predatory excursions, by their 
troops, were made at Havre De Grace, George- 
town, &c. Several villages were burnt, and 
much property plundered and destroyed. To 
the north of the Chesapeake, the coast was not 
exempt from the effects of the war. A strict 
blockade was kept up at New- York. The 
American frigates United States and Macedo- 
nian, and the sloop Hornet, attempted to sail on 
a cruise from that port, about the beginning of 
May, but were prevented. In another attempt, 
they were chased into New-London harbour, 
where they were blockaded by a fleet under 
Commodore Hardy, for many months. Fort 
George, in Canada, was taken by the Americans. 
Sackett's Harbour was attacked by one thou- 
sand British, who were repelled with considera- 
ble loss. 

Section XXVIII. On the first of June, the 
American navy experienced no inconbi<lerable 
loss, in the capture of the Chesapeake, by the 
British frio^ate Shannon, off Boston harbour — a 
loss the more severely felt, as on board of her 
fell several brave officers, among whom was her 
commander, the distinguished and lamented 
Capt. LaAvrence. 

Capt. liawrence had been but recently promoted to the com 
mand of the Chesapeake. On his arrival at Boston, to take 
charge of her, he v/as informed that a British frigate was lying 
rtff the harbour, apparently inviting an attack. — Prompted by 
the iurdour which pervaded the service, he resolved to meet the 
'■neniy, without sufficiently examining his strength. With a 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 333 

crew, chiefly enlisted for the occasion, as that of the Chesapeake 
had mostly been discharged, on the 1st of June, he sailed out of 
the harbour. 

The Shanmai, observing the Chesapeake put to sea, imine* 
diately followed. At half past five, the two ships engaged. By 
rhe first broadside, the sailing master of the Chesapeake was 
killed, and Lieut. Ballard mortally wounded: Lieut. Brown 
and Capt. Lawrence were severel)' wounded, at the same time. 
A second, and third broadside, besides adding to the destruction 
of her officers, so disabled the Chesapeake in her rigging, that 
lier qaavter fell on the Shannon's anchor. This accident may 
be considered as deciding the contest ; an opportunity was 
given the enemy to rake the Chesapeake, and, toward the close 
of the action, to board her. Capt. Lawrence, though severely 
wounded, still kept the deck. In the act of summoning the 
boarders, a musket ball entered his body, and brought him 
down. As he was carried below, he issued a last heroick order, 
" Don?t give up the ship ;" but it was too late to retrieve what 
was lost ; the British boarders leaped into the vessel, and after 
a short, but bloody struggle, hoisted the British flag. 

In this sanguinary conflict, twenty-three of the enemy were 
killed, and fifty wounded; on board the Chesapeake about 
seventy were killed, and eighty-three wounded. 

Section XXIX. The tide of fortune seemed 
now, for a short time, to turn in favour of Great 
Britain. On the 14th of August, the Argus, of 
eighteen guns, another of our national vessels, 
was captured by the Pelican of twenty guns. 

The Argus had been employed to carry out Mr. Crawford, as 
minister, to France. After landing him, she proceeded to cruise 
in the British channel, and, for two months, greatly annoyed the 
British shipping. At length that government was induced to 
send several vessels in pursuit of her. On the 14th of August, 
the Pelican, a sloop of war, of superior force, discovered her, 
and bore down to action. At the first broadside Capt. Allen 
fell severely wounded, but remained on deck for some time, 
when it was necessary to carry him below. After a hard fought 
action, the Aigus was obliged to surrender, with a loss of six 
killed and seventeen wounded. On board the Pelican there 
were but three killed and five wounded. Captain Allen died 
soon after, in Bngland, and was interred with the honours of 
war. 

Section XXX. After the loss of the Chesa- 
pealte and Argus« victory again returned to the 



334. PERIOD X....1809....1317. 

side of America. On the 5th of September fol- 
lowing, the British brig Boxer surrendered to 
the Enterprize, after an engagement of little 
more than half an horn*. 

The Enterprize sailed from Portsmouth on the 1st, and was 
on the fifth descried by the Boxer, which immediately gave 
chase. After the action had continued for fifteen minutes, the 
F.nterprize ranged ahead, and raked her enemy so powerfully, 
that in twenty minutes the firing ceased, and the cry of quarter 
was heard The Enterprize had one killed and thirteen 
wounded ; but that one was her lamented commander, Lieu- 
tenant Burrows. He fell at the commencement of the action, 
bin continued to cheer his crew, averring that the flag should 
never be struck. When the sword of the enemy was presented 
to him, lie exclaimed " I die contented." The British loss was 
more considerable. Among their killed was Captain Blythe. 
These two commanders, both in the morning of life, were inter- 
red beside each other, at Portland, with military honours. 

Section XXXL During these occurrences on 
Jie sea board, important preparations had been 
made for decisive measures to the westward, 
and the general attention was now turned, with 
great anxiety, towards the movements of the 
northwestern army, and the fleet under com- 
mand of Commodore Perry, on Lake Erie. 

This anxiety, not long after, was, in a mea- 
sure, dispelled by a decisive victory of the Ame- 
rican fleet, over that of the British, on Lake 
Erie, achieved, after a long and desperate con- 
flict, on the 1 0th of September. 

The American squadron consisted of nine vessels, carrying 
fifty-four guns, that of the British, of six vessels and sixty-three 
guns. The line of battle was formed at eleven, and at a quarter 
before twelve, the enemy's flag ship, Queen Charlotte, opened 
a tremendous fire upon the Lawrence, the flag ship of Commo* 
dore Perry, which was sustained by tlie latter, ten minutes b©» 
fore she could bring her carronades to bear. At length, she bore 
up and engaged the enemy, making signals to the remainder oi 
the squadron to hasten to her support. Unfortunately, the wind 
was too light to admit of a compliance with the order, and she 
was compelled to contend, for two hours, with two ships of 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 335 

equal farce. By this time, the brig had become unmanageable, 
and her crew, excepting four or five, were either killed or wound- 
ed. 

While thus surrounded with death, — and destruction still 
pouring in upon hira, Perry left the brig, now only a wreck, in 
an open boat, and heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt 
to the Niagara of twenty guns. The wind now rose. Order- 
ing every canvass to be spread, he bore down upon the enenay : 
— passing the enemy's vessels, Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and 
Lady Prevost, on the one side, and the Chippewa, and Little 
Belt, on the other, into each of which, he poured a broadside — 
he at length engaged the Lady Provost, which received so hea\';j' 
a fire as to coBipel her men to retire below. 

The remainder of the American squadron, now, one after ano- 
ther, arrived, and following the example of their intrepid kader, 
elosed in with the enemy, and the battle became general. 

Three hours finished the contest, and enabled Perry to an- 
nounce to Gen. Harrison the capture of the whole squadron, 
which he did, in this modest, laconick, and emphatick style : 
" We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

The loss in the contest was great in proportion to the numbers 
engaged. The Americans had twenty-seven killed and ninety- 
six wounded. But the British loss was still greater, being about 
two hundred in killed and wounded. The prisoners amounted 
to six hundred, exceeding the whole number of Americans en- 
gaged in the action. 

Section XXXII. The Americans were now 
masters of Lake Erie, but Detroit and Maiden 
were in possession of the British General Proc- 
tor. Against these, Gen. Harrison, commander 
of the north-western army, now resolved to di- 
rect his forces. 

Col. Johnson, with a body of KeniucKians, 
was despatched against Detroit. Gen. Harri- 
son with his troops repaired on board the fleet, 
And the same day reached Maiden. The Bri- 
tish general, however, destroyed Maiden, and 
retired with his forces. 

Finding Maiden destroyed, Harrison next de- 
termined to proceed in pursuit of Proctor. On 
the 2d of October, with about two thousand five 
hundred men, selected for the purpose, he com- 



S3G PERIOD X....l809....18i 7. 

tnenced a rapid march, and, on the 5th, reached 
the place where the enemy had encamped the 
night before. Col. Johnson, who had joined 
Gen. Harrison, was sent forward to reconnoitre 
the enemy, and soon returned with tlie informa* 
tion that they had made a stand a few miles 
distant, and were ready for action. 

The American troops were now formed in or- 
der of battle. The armies engaged, and, for a 
time, the strife raged with fury. Providence, 
however, gave to the Americans a decisive vic^ 
tory, and Detroit fell into their hands. 

In this engagement, the loss of the British was nineteen regu 
lars killed, fifty wounded, and about six hundred prisoners 
The Indians left one hundred and twenty on the field. The 
loss of the Americans did not exceed fifty. 

In this battle were engaged one thousand two hundred or on* 
thousand five hundred Indians, led on by Tecumseh, a savage 
warriour, than whom the annals of history can scarcely boast a 
greater. Since the defeat of Harmer he had been in almost eve* 
ry engagement with the whites. On the opening of the late 
war, he visited various tribes, and, by his eloquence and influ- 
ence, roused his countrymen to arms against the United States. 

Section XXXIII. The fall of Detroit put an 
end to the Indian war in that quarter, and gave 
security to the frontiers. Gen. IJarrison now 
dismissed a greater part of his volunteers, and 
having stationed Gen. Cass at Detroit, with 
about one thousand men, proceeded, according 
to his instructions, with the remainder of his 
forces, to Buffalo, to join the army of the centre. 

Section XXXIV. The result of the opera- 
tions of the north-west, and the victory on Lake 
Erie, prepared the way to attempt a more effec- 
tual invasion of Canada. 

Gen. Wilkinson was now commanding the 
American forces in the north. Gen. Dearborn 
Iiaving some time before retired on account of 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 9j^ 

indisposition. The force destined for the con- 
templated invasion of Canada, amounted to 
twelve thousand men, — eight thousand of whom 
were stationed at Niagara, and four thousand at 
Plattsburg, under the command of Gen. Hamp- 
ton. — In addition, to these forces, those under 
Gen. Harrison were expected to arrive in sea-- 
son to furnish important assistance. 

The outline of the plan which had been 
adopted, was to descend the St. Lawrence, 
passing the British forts above, and, after a 
junction with Gen. Hampton, at some designat- 
ed point on the river, to proceed to the Island 
of Montreal. Unexpected difficulties, however, 
occurred, which prevented the execution of this 
plan, and the American forces retired into win- 
ter quarters at St. Regis. 

Gen. Wilkinson concentrated his forces at Grenadiers' Island, 
oetween Sackett's Harbour and Kingston, one hundred and 
eighty miles from Montreal, by the way of the river. This place 
the army left, on the 25th of October, on board the fleet, and 
descended the St. Lawrence, sanguine in the expectation of sub- 
duing Montreal. 

On the arrival of the flotilla at Williamsburg, November Qth, 
one thousand five hundred men, of Gen. Boyd's brigade, were 
landed with a view to cover the boats in their passage througlj 
the rapids. On the 11th an engagement took place, which con- 
tinued two hours, between this detachment of the American 
arm)', and a detachment of the Rritish under Lieut. Col. Mor- 
rison. — Both parties claimed the victor}'', but it was, properly, u 
drawn battle, the British retiring to their encampments, and the 
Americans to their boats. The loss of the British is not ascer- 
tained ; that of the Americans, in killed wounded, was three 
hundred and thirty-nine. Among the latter was Gen. Carring- 
ton, who died of his wounds, 

A few days previous to this battle, as Gen. Harrison had not 
arrived. Gen. Wilkinson despatched orders to Gen. Hampton 
to meet him at St. Regis. To these orders, Gen. Hampton re- 
plied, that it was impracticable to comply with them. On the 
receipt of this communication, a council of officers was called, 
which advised to abandon the project and to retire. Accar<l' 

29 



338 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

ingly, Gen. Wilkinson ordered a retreat, and selected French 
MilJs, as the winter quarters of his army^ Tlie troops of Gen. 
Hampton soon followed this example. 

Thus ended a campaign which gave rise to 
dissatisfaction, proportioned to the high expec- 
tations that had been indulged of its success. 
Publick opinion was much divided as to the 
causes of its failure, and as to the parties to 
whom the blame was properly to be attached. 

Section XXXV. The proposal of the empe- 
rour of Russia to mediate between the United 
States and Great Britain, with reference to an 
amicable adjustment of their differences, and 
the appointment of Messrs. Gallatin, Adams, 
and Bayard, as commissioners under that pro- 
posal, have been mentioned. This proposal, 
however, Great Britain thought expedient to de- 
cline; but the prince regent offered a direct 
negotiation, either at London or Gottenburg. 
The offer was no sooner communicated to our 
gf vernment, than accepted, and Messrs. Henry 
Clay, Jonathan Russel, and Albert Gallatin, 
were appointed in addition to the commission- 
ers already in Europe, and soon after sailed for 
Gottenburg. Lord Gambier, Henry Goulbourn, 
and William Adams, were appointed on the part 
of the court of St. James, to meet them. The 
place of their meeting was first fixed at Gotten- 
burg, but subsequently v/as changed to Ghent, 
in Flanders, where the commissioners assem- 
bled in August. 

Section XXXVL The spring of 1814 was 
distinguished for the loss of the American fri- 
gate Essex, Commodore David Porter, which 
was captured on the 28th of March, in the bay 
of Valparaiso, South America, by a auperiour 
British force. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION 339 

Commodore Porter had been cruising in the Pacifick for near> 
ly a year, in the course of which he had captured several Bri- 
tish armed whale ships. Some of these were equipped as Ame- 
rican cruisers and store ships ; and the Atlantick, now called 
the Essex Junior, of twenty gims and sixty men, was assigned 
to Lieut. Downes. T'rie prizes which were to be laid up, 
were convoyed by this officer to Valparaiso. On his return, he 
brought intelligence to Commodore Porter that a Briti^sh sc^uad- 
ron, consisting ot one frigate, and two stoops of Aar, and a 
store ship of twenty guns, had sailed in quest of the Essex. The 
commodore took measures, immediately, to repair his vessel, 
which, having accomplished, on the lidth of December, 1813, 
he sailed for Valparaiso, in company wiiii the Essex Junior. 

" It was not h^ng after the ariival of Commodore Porter at 
Valparaiso, when Commodore Hillyar appeared there in the 
Phoebe frigate, accompanied by the (."herub sloO|> of war.— > 
These vessels had been equipped for the purpose «»f meeting the 
Essex ^ with picked crews, in prim.e order, and hoisted flags 
bearing the motto, " God and our country, British jailors' best 
rights; traitors offend them.'''' This was in alUision to Porter's 
celebrated motto, " Free trade and sailors' rights ;" he now 
hoisted at his mizzen, " God, our country, and liberty : tyrants 
oflend them." On entering the harbour, the British commodore 
fell foul of the Essex, in such a situation as to be placed co^ft- 
pletcly in the power of the latter ; the forbearance of Commo- 
dore Porter was acknowledged by the English commander, and 
fee passed his word and honour to observe the same roaacd to 
the neutrality of the port. 

" The British vessels soon after stood out, and cruised off the 
port about six weeks, rigorously blockading the Essex. Their 
united fcrce amounted to eighty-one giuis and about five hun- 
dred men, about double that of the Essex ; but the circumstance 
of this force being divided in two ships, rendf'red the disparity 
still greater ; and was by lio means counterbalanced by the Es- 
sex Junior. Commodore Porter being prevented by this great 
disparity of force, from engaging, made repeated attempts to 
draw the Phoebe into action singly, either by rnanopuvring or 
sending formal challenges ; but Commodore Flillyar carefully 
avoided the coming to action alone. The American command- 
er, hearing that an additional British force was on its way, and 
having discovered that his vessel could outsail those of the Bri- 
tish, determined to sail out, and, while the enemy was in chase, 
enable the Essex Junior to escape to a place of rendezvous pre* 
viousiy appointed. 

*' On the twenty-eighth of March, the wind coming on to 
blow fresh from the southwards the Essex parted her starboard 



540 PERIOD X....1S09....1817. 

cable, and dragged her larboard anchor to sea. Not a momert 
•was lost in getting sail on the ship, as it was determined to 
seise this moment to escape. In endeavouring to pass to the 
windward of the enemy, a squall struck the' American vessel, 
just as she was doubling the point, which carried away her 
niaan-top-raast ; both ships immediately gave chase, and being 
unable to escape in his crippled state, the commodore endea- 
voured to put back into the harbour ; but finding this impractica- 
ble, he ran into a small bay, and anchored within pistol shot of 
the shore : where, from a supposhion that the enemy would 
continue to respect the neutrality of the port, he thought himself 
secure. He soon found, however, by the manner in which they 
approached, that he was mistaken. With all possible despatch, 
t.herefore, he prepared his ship for action, and endeavoured to 
get a spring on his cable, wliich he could not accomplish oefore 
the enemy commenced the attack, at fifty-four minutes past 
three. 

At first th? Phoebe placed herself on his stern, and the Che- 
rub on his larboard bow ; but tiie lalier soon finding herself ex- 
posed to a hot fire, changed her position, and with her consort, 
kept up a raking fire under his stern. The American, being 
unable to bring his broadside to bear on the enemy, his spring 
';ables having been three times shot away, was obliged, there- 
fore, to rely for defence against this tremendous attack, on three 
long twelve pounders, which he ran out of the slwn ports; 
which were worked with such bi'avery and skill, as in half an 
hour to do so much injury to the enemy, as to compel them to 
hauf 06* and repo=- 

It was evident that Commodore Hiilyar meant to risk nothing 
from the daring courage of tiie Americans; all his mannEtivres 
were deliberate and wary ; his antagonist was in his power, and 
his only concern was to succeed with as little loss to himself as 
possible. The situation of the Essex was most vexatioi's to our 
brave countrymen; many of them were aheady killed and 
wounded, and from the crippled state of their ship, they were 
unable to bring her guns to bear upon the eneray. — Her gallant 
cre\f were not disheartened ; aroused to desperation, they ex- 
pressed their defiance to the enemy, and their determination to 
hnld out to the last. 

The enemy having repaired, now placed himself, with botli 
ships on the starboard quarter of the Essex, where none of her 
guns could be brought to bear ; the commodore saw no hope 
but in getting under way ; the flying-jib was the only sail he 
could set ; this he caused to be hoisted, cut his cable, and ran 
down on both ships, whh the intention of laying the Phoebe on 
board. For a short t>«"e he was enabled to close with the ene 



KIADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. $41 

my, and the firing was tremendous ; the decks of the £ss«x 
were strewed with dead, and her cockpit filled with the wound" 
ed ; she had been several times on fire, and was, in fact, a per- 
fect wreck. At this moment, a feeble hope arose, that she might 
still be saved, in* consequence of the Cherub being compelled to 
haul off on account of her crippled state ; she, however, kept 
up her fire at a distance, with her long guns. The Essex was 
unable, however, to take advantage of the circumstance, as the 
Phoebe edged off, and also kept up, at a distance, a destructive 
fire ; the forraer being totally bereft of her sails, could not bring 
ber to close quarters. 

Commodore Porter finding the greater part of his crew dis- 
abled, at last gave up all hope, and attempted to run his vessel 
on shore, the wind at that moment favouring his design ; but it 
suddenly changed, drove her close upon the Phcebe, exposing 
her to a raking fire. The ship was totally unmanageable, but 
as she drifted with her head to the enemy, Commodore Porter 
again seized a faint hope of being able to board. At this mo- 
ment Lieutenant Downes came on board, to receive orders, ex 
pecting that his commander would soon be a prisoner. His ser- 
vices could be of no avail in the present deplorable state of the 
Essex, and finding from the enemy's putting up his helm, that 
the last attempt at boarding would not succeed, Downes was 
directed to repair to his ship, to be prepared for defending and 
destroying her, in case of attack. 

The slaughter on board the Essex now became horrible, the 
pueray continuing to rake her while she was unable to bring a 
single gun to bear. Still her commander refused to yield while 
a ray of hope appeared. Every expedient, that a fertile and 
inventive genius could suggest, was resorted to, in the forlorn 
hope, that he might be able, by some lucky chance, to escape 
from the grasp of the foe. A hawser was bent to the sheet an- 
chor, and the anchor cat from the bows, to bring the ship's head 
around. This succeeded ; the broadside of the Essex was again 
brought to bear ; and as the enemy was much crippled, and un- 
able to hold his own, the commodore thought she might drift out 
of gunshot, before he discovered that the Essex had anchored; 
but alas ! this last expedient failed ; the hawser parted, and with 
it went the last linsjerijjg hope of the Essex. 

At this moment her situation was awful beyond description. 
She was on fire both before and aft, the flames were bursting up 
lier hatchway, a quantity of powder exploded below, and word 
was given that the fire was near her magazine. Thus surround- 
by horrours, without any chance of saving his ship, he turned 
his attention to the saving as many of his gallant companions as 
be could ; the distance to the shore not exceeding three quarter* 

29* 



342 PERIOD X....1809....181J. 

of a mile, he hoped that many of them would save themselves 
before the ship blew up. His boats being cut up, they could 
only hope to escape by swimming ; by some this was effected, 
buithe greater part of his generous crew resolved to stay by the 
ship, and shcire the fate of their commander. 

They noy laboured to extinguish the flames, and succeeded ; 
after this, they again repaired to their gims, but their strength 
had become so much exhausted, that this effort was in vzdn. 
Comniodore Porter summoned a consultation of the officers of 
ihe divisions, when to his astonishment only one acting lieute- 
nant, Stephen Decatur M'lNight, appeared. The accounts from 
every part of the ship were deplorable indeed ; she -vas in im- 
minent danger of sinking, and so crowded with the wounded, 
that even her birthdeck could hold no more, and several were 
killed under the surgeon's hands. In the mean time the enemy, 
at a secure distance, continued his fire ; the water having be- 
come smooth, he struck the hull of the Essex at every shot. At 
last, despairing of saving his ship, the commodore was compell- 
od, at twenty minutes past six, to give the painful orders to strike 
(he colours. The enemy, probably not seeing that this had ta- 
ken place, continued to fire for ten minutes after, and Porter was 
about to give orders that the colours should again be hoisted, 
under a belief that the enemy intended to give no quarters, when 
the firing ceased. The loss on board the Essex was fifty-eight 
killed, thirty-nine wounded severely, twenty-seven slightly, and 
ihirty one missing. The loss on board the British vessels was 
five killed and ten wounded ; but they were both much cut up 
in their hulls and rigging ; the Phoebe could scarcely be kept 
afloat until ^he anchored in the port of Valparaiso next morn- 
ing. 

Commodore Porter was paroled, and permitted to return to 
tlie United States ni the Essex Junior, which was converted in- 
to a cartel for the purpose. On arriving off the port of New- 
York, the vessel was detained by the Saturn razee, and to the 
disgrace of the British navjr, already dishonoured by the base 
attack upon this gallant officer, lie was compelled to give up 
his pai'ole, and declare himself a prisoner of war, and, as such, 
he informed the British officer that he would attempt his escape. 
In consequence of this threat, the Essex Junior was ordered to 
vemaW under the lee of the Saturn ; but the next morning Com- 
modoit. Porter put off in bis boat, though thirty miles from shore, 
Hnd notwithstanding the pursuit by those of the Saturn, arrivec* 
safely in New- York."* 



Brackenridse. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S4'3 

Section XXXVIJ. Towards the close of April, 
after an action of forty-two minutes, the British 
brig Epervier surrendered to the Peacock. Fort 
Erie was taken from the Britis>h, early in July, 
and during the same month, sanguinary battles 
were fought at Chippewa and Bridi!;ewater. 

In the battle of Bridgewater, or Niagara, Generals Brown 
and Scoti commanded the Americans ; Generals DrummorKi 
and Riall the British. The battle lasted from four o'clock, P. 
M. till midnight. The British loss was nine hundred in kil'.ed, 
wounded, and prisoners ; the loss of the Americans did not ex- 
ceed one hundred. The former were obliged to retire. 

Section XXXVIII. While these events were 
transpiring in the north, the publick attention 
was irresistibly diawn to the movements of the 
enemy on the sea-board. About the middle of 
August, between fifty and sixty sail of the Bri- 
tish arrived in the '> hesapeake, with troops des- 
tined for the attack of Washington, the capital 
of the United States. On the 23d of Ausfust, 
six thousand British troops, commanded by 
Gen. Ross, forced their way to that place, burnt 
the capitol, president's house, and executive of- 
fices. Having thus accomplished an object 
highly disgraceful to the British arms, and wan- 
tonly burned publick buildings, the ornament 
and pride of the nation, the destruction of which 
could not hasten the termination of the war — 
on the 25th they retired, and, by rapid marches, 
regained their shipping, having lost, during the 
expedition, nearly one thousand men. 

The troops, under Gen. Ross, were landed at Benedict, on 
die Pawtuxet, forty-seven miles from Washington. On the 
21st, they moved toward Nottingham, and, the following day, 
reached Marlborough. A British flotilla, commanded by Cock- 
burn, consisting of launches and barges, ascended the river at 
the same time, keeping on the right flank of the army. The 
day following, on approaching the American flotilla of Com. 
Barney, which had taken refuge high up the river, twelve miles 



344 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

from Washington, some sailers left on board the flotilla for the 
purpose, should it be necessary, set fire to it, and fled. 

On Ae arrival of the British army at Bladensburg, six mile& 
from Washington, Gen. Winder, commander of the American 
forces, chiefly militia collected fur the occasion, ordered them to 
«ngage the enemy. The principal part of the militia, however, 
fled, at the opening of the contest. Commodore Barney, with 
a few eighteen pounders, and about four hundred men, made a 
gallant resistance ; but being overpowered by numbers, and 
himself wounded, he and a part of his brave band were tompell 
ed to surrender themselves prisoners of war. 

From Bladensburg, Gt-n. Ross urged bis march to Washing- 
ton, where he arrived tit about 8 o'clock in the evening. Having 
stationed his main body at the distance of a mile and a hall 
from the capitol, he entered the city, at the head of about seven 
hundred men, soon after which, he issued his orders for the con- 
flagration of the publick buildings. With the capitol were coi>- 
snmed its valuable libraries, and all the fiKnhure, and articles of 
taste and value in that and in the other buildings. The great 
bridge across the Potomack was burnt, together with an elegant 
hotel, and other private buildings. 

Section XXXIX. The capture of Washing- 
ton was followed, September 12th, by an attack 
on Baltimore, in which the American forces, 
militia, and inhabitants of Baltimore, made a 
gallant defence. Being, however, overpowered 
by a superiour force, they were compelled to 
retreat; but they fought so valiantly, that the 
attempt to gain possession of the city was aban- 
doned by the enemy, who, during the night of 
Tuesday, 13th, retired to their shipping, having 
lost among their killed, Gen, Ross, the comman- 
der in chief of the British troops. 

The British armj', after the capture of Washington, having 
re-embarked on board the fle.n in the Pawtuxent, Admiral Coch 
rane moved down that river, and proceeded up liie Chesapeake 
On the morning of the llth of September, he appeared at the 
mouth of the Patapsco, fourteen miles from Baltimore, with a 
fleet of ships of war and transports, amounting to fifty sail. 

On the next day, 12th, land forces, to the number of six thou- 
sand, were landed at North Point, and, under the command of 
Gen. lloss, commenced their march towards the city. In anti- 
cipation of the landing of the troojjsj Gen. Strieker was despatch 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 345 

e<i with three thousand two hundred men from Bahimore, to 
keep the enemy in check. 

On the 12th, a battle was fought by the two armies. Early 
in the engagement, a considerable part of Gen. Strieker's troops 
iotri.ated in confusion, leaving him scarcely one thousand four 
iuindred men, to whom was opposed the whole body of the 
rjicmy. An incessant fire was continued from half past two 
i/ciock, till a little before four, when Gen. Strieker, finding the 
Cijntest unequal, and that the enemy outflanked him, retreated 
ipon his reserve, which was effected in good order. 

The loss of the Americans, in killed and wounded, amounted 
(0 on*" hundred and sixtj three, among whom were some of the 
most respectable citizens of Baltimore. 

The enem^' made his appearance, the next morning, in front 
en the American entrenchments, at a distance of two miles from 
lue city, showing an intention of renewing the attack. 

In the meantime, an attack was made on fort M'Henry, from 
fj i{;ates, bombs, and rocket vessels, which continued through 
the day, and the greater part of the night, doing, however, but 
little damage. 

In the course of the night of Tuesday, Admiral Cochrane 
litla a communication with the commander of the land forces, 
and the enterprise of taking the city being deemed impractica.- 
ble, the troops were re-embarked, and the next day, the fleet 
descended the bay, to the great joy of the released inhabitants. 

Section XL. During these troubles in the 
south, the enemy were far from being inactive in 
other parts of the United States. August 14th, 
Fort Erie was attacked by the British, com- 
manded by Lieut. Gen. Drummond; but, after 
;i severe engagement, they were repulsed, with 
Ji loss of six hundred, in killed, and wounded, 
and prisoners. The American loss was two 
hundred and forty-five. 

September 1st. The British took possession 
of Castine, in Maine, as sometime before they 
had taken Eastport, a town situated on one of 
the inlands of the bay of Passammaquoddy, 
About this time, also, the seaports along the 
shoves of New England being seriously threat- 
ened, the militia were called out, by the autho- 



346 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

rities of the States bordering on the sound, to 
repel the expected foe. 

Section XLI. The joy experienced in all 
parts of the United States, on account of the 
hrave defence of Baltimore, had scarcely sub- 
sided, when intelligence was received of the 
signal success of the Americans at Plattsburg, 
and on Lake Champlain. The army of Sir 
George Prevost, amounting to fourteen thou- 
sand men, was compelled by Gen. Macomb to 
retire from the former, and the enemy's squa- 
dron, commanded by('ommodore Downie, was 
captured by Commodore Macdonough on the 
latter. 

Towards the close of the winter of 1814, General Wilkinson, 
with his army, removed from their winter-quarters at St. Regis, 
and took station at Plattsburg. Gen. Wilkinson leaving the 
command of the army, Gen. Macomb succeeded him at this 
place. By September, the troops at Plattsburg were diminish- 
ed by detachments, withdrawn to other stations, to one thousand 
live hundred men 

In this state of the forces, it was announced that Sir George 
Prevost, governour-general of Canada, with an army of four- 
teen thousand men, completely equipped, and accompanied by 
a numerous train of artillery, was about making a descent on 
Plattsburg. 

At this time, both the Americans and British had a respecta 
ble naval force on lake Champlain ; but that of the latter was 
considerably the superiour, amounting to ninety-five guns^ ana 
one thousand and fifty men, while the American squadron oar . 
ried but eighty-six guns, and eight hundred and twenty-six men. 

On the 1 1th of September, while the American fleet was lying 
off Plattsburg, the British squadron was observed bearing down 
upon it in order of battle. 

Com. Macdonough, ordering his vessels cleared for action, 
gallantly received the enemy. An engagement ensued, which 
lasted two hours and twenty minutes. By this time, t!ie enemy 
was silenced, and one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war 
fell into the hands of the Americans. Several British galleys 
were sunk and a few others escaped. The loss of the Ameri* 
cans was fifty-two killed, and fifty-eight wounded ; of the Bri- 
tish, eighty-four killed, and one hundred and ten wounded. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 847 

Previously to this eventful day, Sir George Prevost, with his 

army, arrived in the vicinity of Plattsburg. In anticipation of 

his event, Gen. Macomb made every preparation which time 

and means allowed, and called in to his assistance considerable 

numbers of the militia. 

In the sight of these two armies, the rival squadi'ons commenc- 
ed their contest. And, as if their engagement had been a pre- 
concerted signal ; and as if to raise still higher the solemn gran- 
fiear of the scene ; Sir George Prevost now led up his forces 
against the American works, and began throwing upon them, 
shells, balls, and rockets. 

At the same time, the Americans opened a severe and de- 
structive lire from their forts. Before sunset, the temporary bat- 
teries of Sir George Prevost were all silenced, and every attempt 
of the enemy to cross from Plattsburg to the American works* 
Was repelled. At nine o'clock, perceiving the attainment of his 
object impracticable, the British general hastily drew off his for- 
ces, diminished by killed, wounded, and deserted, two thousand 
five hundred. At the same time he abandoned vast quantities 
of military stores, and left the inhabitants of Plattsburg to take 
care of the sick and wounded of his array, and the " star-span- 
gl*'d banner " to wave in triumph, over the waters of Cham- 
plain. 

Section XLII. It has been already noticed, 
tliat the New England representatives in con- 
gress, as well as a great portion of the people in 
that section of the country, were early and 
strongly opposed to the war with Great Britain. 
During the progress of the war, this opposition 
continued, and became confirmed. Enlistments 
of tr(»ops into the army from this quarter were, 
therefore, fewer than under other circumstanties 
might have been expected. Dissentions also 
arose between the general and state govern- 
ments respeitting the command of the militia, 
called oul by order of the former, to defend the 
sea-board, (.irreat dissatisfaction prevailed from 



• The village of Plattsburg is situated on the northeast side of the amsJL 
rirer Saranac, near its entrance into the lake, and the American works are 
directlj opposite. 



348 PERIOD X....I809....1817 

an apprehension that tlie affairs of the general 
gpvernment were mis-managed, and, to many, 
it appeared that a crisis was forming, which, 
unless seasonably provided against, might in- 
volve the country in ruin. 

Such apprehensions for the political safety 
extensively prevailing throughout New Eng- 
land, it was deemed important, by those who 
felt for them, to take measures to remove pub- 
lick grievances, and to provide against antici- 
pated evils. 

Accordingly, on the 8th of October, 1814, at 
an extra session of the Massachusetts Legisla- 
ture, a committee, to whom was referred the 
speech of the governour, (Strong,) in the con- 
clusion of their report, recommend the appoint- 
ment of " delegates to meet and confer with 
delegates from the States of New England, or 
any of them, upon the subjects of their publick 
grievances and concerns" — " and also to take 
measures, if they shall think proper, for procur- 
ing a convention of delegates from all the Uni- 
ted States, in order to revise the constitution 
thereof, and more effectually to secure the sup- 
port and attachment of all the people, by plac- 
ing all upon the basis of fair representation." 

This resolution met with a spirited opposition 
from a respectable minority, both in the senate 
and house of representatives — but finally pass- 
ed. Delegates were accordingly chosen. This 
example w^as followed by Rhode-Island and 
Connecticut. Vermont refused, and New-Hamp 
shire neglected to send. 

On the 15th of December, these delegates, 
together with two elected by counties in New- 
Hampshire, and one similarly elected in Ver- 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 84t> 

niont, met at Hartford. After a session of near 
three weeks, they published a report, in which, 
after dwelling upon the publick grievances felt 
by the New England States particularly, and by 
the country at large, in no small degree, they 
proceeded to suggest several alterations of the 
federal constitution, with a view to their adop- 
tion by the respective states of the Union. 

These alterations consisted of seven articles— ^r«/, that re- 
presentatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned to the num- 
ber of free persons ; — secondly, that no new State shall be ad- 
mitted into the union without the concurrence of two thirds of 
both houses ; — thirdly, that congress shall not have power to 
lay an embargo for more than sixty days i— fourthly, that con- 
gress shall not interdict commercial intercourse, without the coI^ 
currence of two thirds of both houses ;— fifthly, that war shall 
not be declared without the concurrence of a similar majority ;— 
sixthly, that no person who shall be hereafter naturalized, shall be 
eligible as a member of the senate <Jr house of representatives, ot 
hold any civil office under the authority of the United States ; 
and seventhly, that no person shall be elected twice to the pre- 
sidency, nor the president be elected from the same State two 
terms in succession. 

The report of the convention concluded with 
a resolution, providing for the calling of another 
convention, should the United States " refuse 
their consent to some arrangement whereby the 
New England States, separately, or in concert, 
might be empowered to assume upon them- 
selves the defence of their territory against the 
enemy," appropriating a reasonable proportion 
of the publick taxes for this purpose; or, 
" should peace not be concluded, and the de 
fence of the New-England States be neglected 
as it has been since the commencement of tho 
war." 

The conclusion of a treaty of peace with Great Britain, no* 
long after beinsj announced, another convention was not called; 
and on the submission of the above amenaments of the constitu- 
tion to the several states, they were rejected. 

30 



350 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

No act of the federal party has been so bitterly reprehendeil 
by their opponents, as the formation of the Hartford Convention. 
It is represented by them, as a treasonable combination of am- 
bitious individuals, who, taking advantage of the embarrassments 
of the national administration, arising out of the war, sought to 
sever the union ; and were only deterred from an open attempt 
to accomplish their purpose by the unexpected conclusion of a 
treaty of peace v,ith Great Britain — which disembarrassed the 
administration — and swept away all grounds upon which to pro- 
secute their designs. * 

In defence of the convention, it is urged, that the individuals 
who composed it, assembled in obedience to legislative appoint- 
ment ; and be the formation of a convention right or wrong, 
they, as individuals, were not responsible for it. That the cull- 
ing of the convention was rigiit, is urged on the following 
grounds : at the period of its formation, the situation of the coun- 
try was such as gave serious grounds of alarm to reflecting men ; 
— the war operations had been singularly disastrous; i»ie recruit- 
ing service languished ; the national treasury was almost pen- 
niless ; the national credit was shaken, and loans were etfected 
at a ruinous discount ; the New-England seaboard was left ex- 
posed to the enemy — and instead of securing the confidence of 
the people of the eastern states, by filling the military and civil 
offices under the general government, with men of known ta- 
lents anil character, the administration committed the interests 
of the nation at a critical period to men contemned by a vast 
majority of the people in those states. 

The publick mind in view of this state of things, was excit- 
ed to L pitch bordering on insurrection ; and as their representa 
tion in congress v/as unheard, they looked with earnest impor 
tunity to their state legislatures. What could be done ? From 
the earliest dates of its history, the legislatures of New-England 
had been accustomed to call conventions, at periods of common 
uanger, to confer upon the publick welfare. It was natural at 
this moment to resort to the snme course ; and instead of favour- 
ing the suspicion of treasonable intentions bv the character of 
the men selected to form this convention ; the age, gravity, and 
established reputation of the greater part of the members of it are 
a fair refutation of such suspicions. There are no clear proofs 
to support the charge of treasonable designs on the part of the 
convention ; on tlie contrary their doings, which are the only 
fair test of their motives, and the only ju«t grounds upon which 
to form its character, and which are before the world in their re- • 
port, and their secret journal, triumphantly refute such a charge. 
And it is further maintiiined tliat the actual operation of the pro- 
cfeedingsof the convention, was, instead of rousing opposition to 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S5l 

the general government, to soothe the publick apprehensions, 
and quiet that restless anxiety which pervaded the country. 

Section XLIII. As early as the month of 
September, indications of no dubious character 
were given, that notwithstanding the negotia- 
tions pending between the American and British 
commissioners at Ghent, serious preparations 
were making for an invasion of Louisiana. 
About December 5th, certain intelligence was 
received that a British fleet, consisting of sixty 
sail, was off the coast to the east of the Missis- 
sippi, in the course of the month, fifteen thou- 
sand troops were landed, under the command of 
Sir Edward Packenham, and, on the 8th of 
January, they attacked the Americans, amount- 
ing to about six thousand, cliiefly militia, in 
their intrenchments, before New-Orleans. Af- 
ter an engagement of more than an hour, the 
enemy, having lost their commander in chief, 
and Major-Genoral Gibbs. and having been cut 
to pieces in an almost unexampled degree, fled 
in confusion, leaving their dead and wounded on 
the field of battle. 

On the receipt of intelligence that the enemy were off the 
coast of the Mississippi, Commodore Patterson despatched five 
gun boats to watch their motions. These boats being unfortu- 
nately captured, t)ie enemy were left to choose their point of at- 
tack, entirely unmolested. 

A part of the Britisii forces were landed on the 22d of De- 
cember, and several engagements took place between them and 
the Americans, some miles from New-Orleans, but nothing de« 
cisive was effected on either side. 

During these preliminar}' engagements, Gen. Jackson, com- 
manding at New-Orleans, had been diligently employed in pre- 
parations to defend the place. His front was a straight linp of 
one thousand yards, defended by upwards of three thousand in- 
fantry and artillerists. The ditch contained five feet of watetf 
and his front, from having been flooded by opening the levees, 
and by frequent rains, was rendered slippery and muddy* Eight 
distinct batteries were judiciously disposed, mounting in vA\ twelve 



332 PERIOD X....1S09....1317. 

guns of diiTerent calibres. On the opposite side of the river was 
a strong battery of fifteen guns. 

On the morning of the Sth of January, General Packenhara 
brougljt up his forces, amounting to twelve thousand men, to the 
attack. The British deliberately advanced in solid columns, 
Kver an even plain, in front of the American intrenclunents, the 
men carrying, besides their muskets, fascines, and some of thcni 
ladders. 

\ solemn silence now prevailed through the American lines, 
tmtil the enemy approached within reach of the batteries, which 
at that moment opened an incessant and destructive cannonade. 
The enemy, notwithstanding, continued to advance, closing up 
their ranks as fast as they were opened by the fire of the Ame> 
ricans. 

At length, they came within reach of the mnsketr}' and rilles. 
The extended American line now unitedly presenter! one sheet 
uf fire, and poured in upon tiie British columns, an unceasing 
tide of death. Hundreds fell at every discharge, and by colun)ns 
were swept away. 

Being unable to stand the shock, tlie British became disorder- 
ed and fled. In an atteni])t to rally tiiem, Gen. Packenham was 
killed. Generals Gibl)s and Kean succeeded in pushing for- 
ward their columns a seeuiid time, but the second approach was 
still more fatal than the first. TJie nres again rolled from the 
American batteries, and f'om thousands of muskets. The ad- 
vancing columns again broke and fled ; a few platoons only 
reached the edge of the ditch, there to meet a more certain de- 
struction. In a tliird but unavailing attempt to lead up their 
troops, Generals (libbs and Kean were severely wounded, the 
former nmitally. 

The field of battle now exhibited a scene of extended carnage. 
Seven hundred brave soldiers were sleeping in death, and one 
thousand four hundred were wounded. Five hundred were made 
prisoners — making a loss to the British, on this memorable day, 
of near three thousand men. Tiie Americans lost m the en- 
gagement only seveji killed, and six wounded. 

The enemy now sullenly retired, and on the night of the 1 Sth, 
evacuated their camp, and, with great sccresy, embarked on 
board their shipping. 

Section XLIV. The news of the victory at 
New-Orleans spread with haste through the 
United States, and soon after was followed by 
the still more welcome tidings of a treaty of 
peace, which was signed at Ghent, on the 24th of 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S55 

December, 1814. On the 1 7th of February, this 
treaty was ratified by the president and senate. 

Upon the subjects lor which the war had been protessedly 
declared, the treaty, thus concluded, was silent. It provided 
only for the suspension of hostilities — the exchange of prisoners — 
the restoration of territories and possessions obtained by the 
contending powers, during the war — the adjustment of unsettled 
boundaries — and for a combined effort to effect the entire abo- 
lition of traffick in slaves. 

But whatever diversity of opinion had prevailed about the 
justice or policy of the war — or now prevailed about the merits 
of the treaty — all parties welcomed the return of peace. The 
soldier gladly exchanged the toils of the camp for the rest of his 
home ; the mariner once more spread his canvass to the wind, 
and, fearless of molestation, joyfully stretched his way on the 
ocean ; and the yeomanry of the land, unaccustomed to tlwe din 
of arms, gladly returned to their wonted care of the field, and 
the flock. 

Section XLV. The treaty with England was 
followed, on the 30th of June. 1815, by a treaty 
with the dey of Algiers, concluded at Algiers at 
that time, by William Shaler, and Com. Stephen 
Decatur, agents for the United States. 

The war which thus ended by treaty was commenced by the 
dey himself, as early as the year 1812. At that time the Ame- 
rican consul, Mr. Lear, was suddenly ordered to depart from 
Algiers, on account of the arrival of a cargo of naval and mili- 
tary stores, for the regency of Algiers, in fulfdment of treaty 
stipulations, which the dey alleged were not such in quantity or 
quality as he expected. At the same time, depredations were 
commenced upon our commerce. Several American vessels 
were captured and condemned, and their crews subjected to 
slavery. 

Upon a representation of the case, by the president, to con 
gress, that body formally declared war against the dey in 
March. Soon after an American squadron sailed for the Me- 
diterranean, captured an Algerine brig, and a forty-four gui 
frigate, and at length appeared before Algiers. 

The respectabiHty of the American force, added to the two 
important victories already achieved, had prepared the way for 
the American commissioners to dictate a treaty upon such a 
basis as they pleased. Accordingly, he model of a treaty was 
sent to the dey, who signed it. By this treaty, the United States 
were exemoted from paying tribute in future — captured pronerty 



334 PERIOD X....1S00....181-. 

was lo be restored by the dey — prisoners to be deliveried up 
without ransom, &c. &c. 

Section XLVI. By tlie ninth article of the 
treaty between the United States and Great 
Bntain, it was stipulated by the former, that 
measures should be immediately taken to esta- 
blish a peace with the several tribes of Indians, 
which had been engaged in hostilities against 
the United States. Such measures were accord- 
ingly taken, and. in his message, December, 
1815, the president communicated to congress, 
that a renewal of treaties had readily been ac- 
ceded to by several tribes, and that other more 
distant tribes would probably follow their exam- 
ple, upon proper explanations. 

Section XLVII. The treaty with Great Bri- 
tain, which ended the war, left the subject of 
commercial intercourse between the two nations 
to future negotiation. In the summer following 
the close of the war, plenipotentiaries, respect- 
ively appointed by the two countries for that 
purpose, met at London, and on the third of 
July< signed " a convention, by which to regu- 
late the commerce between the territories of the 
United States, and of his Britanick majesty." 

This convention provided for a reciprocal libeny of com- 
merce between the two countries — for an equalization of duties 
on importations and exportations from either country to the 
other — and for the admission of American vessels to the princi- 
pal settlements of the British dominions in the East Indies, viz. 
Madras, Calcutta, Bombay, &c. Of this convention the presi 
dent spoke in terms of approbation, in his message to congress ; 
bnt by a large portion of the community it was received with 
coldness, from an apprehension that it would operate unfavour 
•ably to America, and would seriously abridge her commerce* 
^The convention was to be binding only for four years. 

Section XLVIII. By the second article of the 
treaty with Great Britain, it was agreed, that all 
▼csfsels, taken by either power, within twelve 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 35^ 

(lays from the exchange of ratifications, between 
iwenty-three degrees and fifty degrees of north 
latitude, siiould be coasidered lawful prizes. 
A longer period was stipulated for more distant 
latitudes. Within the time limited by this arti- 
cle, several actions tuok place, and several ves- 
sels of various descriptions were captured by 
each of the belligerents. The frigate President 
was taken January loth, 1815, by a British 
squadron ; the British ships Cyane, Levant, and 
Penguin, were captured by the Americans. 

In consequence ot the continutd blockade of Commodore De- 
catur's squadron at New-London, that officer was transferred to 
the President, then at New-Vork. Soon after taking comniand 
of her, a cruise was contemplated by the commodore, in con- 
junction with the Peacock, Hornet, and Tom Bowline. Think- 
ing it more safe to venture out singly, the commodore appoint- 
ed a place of rendezvous for the vessels, and set sail in the Pre- 
sident. Through the carelessness of the pilot, his vessel, in 
j)assing out, struck upon the bar, where she lay for two hours 
tossing about, by which her ballast was deranged, and her trim 
for sailing lost. Trusting £0 the excellence of his vessel, how- 
ever, and not being able to return to port, the commodore put 
out to sea. , 

At daylight, he fell in with a British squadron, consisting of 
the Endymion, Tenedos, and Pomone fiigates, with the Majes- 
tick razee. In spite of every exertion, they gained upon him ; 
at length the Endymion came within reach, and opened her fire. 
Commodore Decatur determined to engage her before the other 
vessels should come up. This he now did, and in a short time 
completely silenced her. By this time, the rest of the squadron 
had arrived ; being unwilling to sacrifice his men in a useless 
contest, on receiving the fire of the nearest frigate, he surrender- 
ed. Commodore Decatur was taken on board the Endymion, 
and although she was only a wreck, he was required to surren- 
der his sword to the officer of that vessel. To this the spirit of 
Decatur could not submit, and he indignantly refused to relin- 
quish it to any one, but to the commander of the squadron. 

The Cyane, a frigate of thirty-four guns, and the Levant, a 
sloop of eighteen thirty pound carronades, were taken by the 
Constitution about the same time. 

The Peacock, Hornet, and Tom Bowline, left New- York a 
few days after the sailing of the President, withoat having heard 



S5G PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

of her capture. On the 23d of January, the Hornet parted 
company, and directed her course towards Tristan d'Acuna, 
the place of rendezvous. On the 23d of March, she descried 
the British brig Penguin, of eighteen guns and a twelve pound 
carronade, to the southward and eastwaid of the island. Cap- 
tain Biddle hove to while the Penguin bore down. At forty 
minutes past one, the British brig opened her fire. After fif- 
teen minutes the Penguin gradiinlly nearcd the Hornet with an 
intention to board, the captain having given orders for that pur- 
pose. At this time, he was killed by a grape shot. Her lieu- 
tenant then bore her up, and running her bowsprit between the 
main and mizzen rigging of the Hornet, gave orders to board. 
His men, however, perceiving the crew of the Hornet ready to 
receive them, refused to follow him. At this moment the heavy 
swells of the sea lifted the Hornet ahead. The commander of 
the Penguin called out that he had surrendered, and Captain 
Biddle ordered his men to cease firing. 

Immediately after this, an officer of the Hornet called to Cap- 
tain Biddle, that a man in the enemy's shrouds was taking aim 
at him. Before he could change his position, a musket ball 
struck him in the neck, and wounded him severely. Two ma- 
rines immediately levelled their pieces, and killed the wretch 
before he had brought his gun from his shoulder. The crew of 
the Hornet, indignant at this outrage, demanded to give the 
enemy a fresh broadside, and the vessel had nearly wore round 
for the purpose, before Captain Biddle could restrain the justly 
exasperated crew, ^he loss of the Penguin was fourteen in 
killed, and twenty-eight wounded. The Hornet had one killed 
and eleven wounded. The former vessel was so seriously in- 
jured, that Captain Biddle sunk her. 

Section XLIX. The attention of congress, 
during their session in the year 1815 — 1816, 
was called to a bill, which had for its object the 
incorporation of a National Bank. In the dis- 
cussion which followed, much diversity of opi- 
nion was found to prevail, not only as to the 
constitutional power of congress to establish 
such an institution, but also as to the principles 
upon which it should be modelled. After 
weeks of animated debate, a bill incorporating 
the " Bank of the United States,^^ with a capi- 
tal of thirty-five millions of dollars, passed, and 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. s^Y 

on Weducsday, April lOtli, received the signa- 
ture of the president. 

or the stock of the bank, seven millions were t'l be subscribed 
by the United States, the remaining twenty-eight by individuals. 
The affairs of the corporation were to be managed by twenty- 
live directors, tiveof whom were to be chosen by the president, 
with the advice and consent of the senate ; the remainder to be 
elected by the stockholders, at the banking house in Philadel- 
j)hia. The charter of the bank is to continue in force until the 
3d of March, 1836. 

L. The summer of 1816 passed away with- 
out being marked by any events of peculiar mo« 
ment. The country appeared to be gradually 
recovering from the embarrassments' induced 
by the war, and that asperity of feeling, which 
had agitated the different political parties in the 
United States, was visibly wearing away. Con- 
gress met in December, (n the conclusion of 
his message at the opening of the session, Mr. 
Madison, anticipating the speedy arrival of the 
day, when he should retire from the fjresidency, 
took occasion to express his attachment for his 
country, and his wishes for her future peace and 
prosperity : 

" I can indulge the prourl reflection," said he, " that the 
American people have reached in safety and success, their for- 
tieth year, as an independent nation ; that for nearly an entire 
generation, they have had experience of their pres(?nt constitu- 
tion, the offspring of their undisturbed deliberations and of their 
free choice ; that they have found it to bear the trials of adverse 
as well as prosperfHis circumstances, to contain in its conihina-^ 
tion of the federate and elective principles, a reconcilement of 
publick strength with individual liberty, of national power, for 
the defence of national rights, with a security against wars of 
injustice, of ambition, or of vain glory, in the fundamental pro- 
vision which subjects all questions of war to the will of the na- 
tion itself, which is to pay its costs, and feel its calamities. Nor 
is it less a peculiar felicity of this constitution, so dear to us all, 
that it IS lound to be capable, without losing its vital energies, 
of expanding itself over a spacious territory, with the increase 



358 PERIOD X....1809....1817. 

and expansion of the coramunitv, for whose benefit It was esta 
Wished." 

Section LI. In December 1816, Indiana be 
came an independent state, and was received 
into the union. 

Detached places in Indiana were settled by the French, up- 
wards of a century ago. The exact period, at which the first 
settlement was made, is uncertain. 

In 1763, the territory was ceded by France to England. By 
the treaty of Greenville in 1795, the United States obtained oi 
the Indians several small grants of land within this territory ; 
and, in subsequent years, still more extensive tracts. During 
the war with England, which broke out in 1812, Indiana wa? 
the scene of many Indian depredations, and of many unusually 
severe battles, between the hostile tribes, and the troops of the 
United States. Until 1801, Indiana formed a part of the great 
north-western territory, but, at that date, it was erected into a 
territorial government, with the usual powers and privileges. 
In December 1815, the inhabitants amounting to sixty thousand, 
the legislature petitioned congress for admission into the union, 
and the privilege of forming a state constitution. A bill for this 
purpose passed congress, in April 181 6; a convention of dele- 
gates met in conformity to it, by which a constitution was adopt- 
ed, and Indiana became an independent state, and a member of 
the union in December following. 

Section 1A\. 1817. On Wednesday, Febru- 
ary 12tli, the votes for Mr. Madison's successor 
were counted in the presence of both houses of 
congress, when it appeared that James Monroe 
was elected president, and Daniel D. Tompkins 
vice-president of the United States, for the four 
years from and after the 4th of the ensuing 
March. 



Notes* 

Section LTII. ^^inntXU* The only no- 
ticeable change of manners, which seems to 
have taken place during this period, arose from 
the spirit of pecuniary speculation, which per- 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S59 

vaded the country during the war. Money was 
borrowed with facility, and fortunes were often 
made in a day. Extravagance and profligacy 
were, to some extent, tlie consequence. The 
return of peace, and the extensive misfortunes 
which fell upon every part of the community, 
counteracted these vices, and restored more so- 
ber and industrious habits. 

Section LIV. 3£^eUgtCH* During this peri: 
ed, extensive revivals of religion prevailed, and 
liberal and expanded plans were devised and 
commenced for the promotion of Christianity. 
Several theological institutions were founded, 
missionary and bible societies were established, 
and a great call for ministers of the gospel was 
heard. 

Section LV. KtiCtit iiXCU (^nXUmtttt. 
•During this period, trade and commerce were 
crippled by foreign restrictions, our ov*^n acts of 
non-intercourse, and, at length, by the war with 
England. During this war our carrying trade 
was destroyed, nor was it restored by the peace 
of 1815. 

On the return of peace, immense importations 
were made from England, the country being des- 
titute of English merchandise. The market 
was soon glutted, prices fell, and extensive bank- 
ruptcies were the consequence. 

Section LVl. g||;|titUlttUT* Agriculture, 
during this period, cannot be said to have made 
great advances. 

An excessive disposition in the people, for trade and specula- 
tion, drew off" the attention of the more intelligent and active part 
of the community, and directed much of the capital of the coun- 
try to other objecis. Upon the return of peace, however, when 
mercantile distresses overspread the land, agriculture was again 
resorted to, as one of the surest means of obtaining a livelihood. 
Men of capital, too, turned their attention to farming; agriciU- 



g^O PERIOD X....1SD9....181 7. ^ , 

tnral societies were established, in all parts of tne country : morf 
rnlightened methods of culture were introduced, and agriculture 
became not only one of the most profitable, but one of the most i 
popular objects of pursuit. 

Section LVII. ^ttfil afuli i^attttfat= 

tttirCS. During the war which occurred in this 
period, the intercourse with England and other 
places, being stopped, the colintry was soon des- 
titute of those articles which liad been supplied 
by English rnanutwctories. Accordingly, the 
people began to inanufacture for themselves. 
Extensive manufacturing establishments werejj 
started for abnost every sort of merchandise. — 1| 
Such was their success at the outset, that an im- 
mense capita! was soon invested in them, and 
the country began to be supplied with almost 
every species of manufacture from our own es- 
tablishments. After the peace, the country be- 
ing inundated with British goods, these esta- 
blishments suffered the severest embarrass- 
ments, and many of them were entirely broken 
down. A considerable portion of them, how- 
ever, were maintained, and continued to flou 
rish. 

Section LVIII. ]|0|IUlaitlCtf« At the expi- 
ration of Mr. Madison's term of office, in 1817, 
the number of inhabitants in the United States 
was about nine millions, five hundred thousand. 

Section LIX. SUtlCatlOtl* The pecuniary 
embarrassments experienced throughout the 
country, during the latter part of this period, 
sensibly affected some institutions devoted to 
science and benevolence, especially those which 
depend, in part, upon the yearly contritiutions 
of the patrons of learning and religion, for the 
means of suppoit. In several of the higher se- 
minaries, the number of students was, for a 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION 361 

time, diminislied. Nevertheless, parochial 
schools, academies, and colleges, 11^)011 the 
whole, continued to increase, and to qualify 
many for the common and higher professions of 

life. 

A theological institution was established at Princeton, New- 
Jersey, in 1 812, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
Church. In 1821, the theolog'cal sennnary ol" the Associate 
Reformed Church, in New-York, was united to thai of Prince- 
ton, and its library, consisting of four thousand volumes, wiiich 
cost seventeen thousand dollars, was transtened to the latter 
place. This seminary has three prolessors, and in 1821, had 
seventy-three students. 

During the same year, Hamilton College was incorporated 
at Clinton, New-York ; it has been liberally patronised by the 
legislature, and by individuals. 

31 



UNITED STATES. 



mvioXf Xii. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION, 

Extending frojn the inauguration of President 
Monroe, 18 1 7, to the close of the year 1822. 

Section I. On the 4th of iMarch, 1817, Mr. 
Monroe took the oath prescribed by the consti- 
tution, and entered upon the duties of president 
of the United States. 

The condition of the country, on the accession of Mr. Mon- 
f 06 to the presidency, was in several respects more prosperous 
and happy, than on the accession of his predecessor. Not only 
liad war ceased, and the political asperity, excited by it, given 
place to better feelings, but efforts were made in every section 
of the union, to revive those plans of business, which the war 
had nearly annihilated. — The country had suffered too much, 
however, to regain, immediately, its former prosperity. Com- 
merce was far from being flourishing ; a consideralile part of 
the legitimate trade was in the hands of foreigners ; many ships 
were lying unemployed, and the ship building in many ports 
had nearly ceased. The manufacturing establisliments, which 
had not been entirely broken down, were sustaining a precarious 
existence. Foreign merchandise was inundating the country ; 
and the specie, borrowed in Europe for the national bank, at an 
excessive premium, as well as that which was previously in the 
country, was rapidly leaving it to pay the balance of trade 
against us.* In his inaugural address, however, the president 



♦ The Bank of the United States commenced the importation of specie 
ja 18iy, and introduced into the country seven millions, three hundred 
and eleven thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars, at an expense of 
more than ha5f u million of doilars. As fast as this specie arrived it was 
r«.8hipped tu Europe, to pay the balance of trade against the United 
&tAtc», or sent tc India or China to purchase merchandise. With this 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. S6S 

spoke in animating terms of the happy sta...; of the country, and 
of its prospects of regaining, at no distant periou, that measure 
of prosperity, which in former years it liad e/ijoyed. 

Section II. In the summer and autumn, fol- 
lowing his inauguration, the president made a 
tour through the northern and eastern states of 
the union. 

The objects of this tour were connected with the national in- 
;erests. Congress had appropriated large sums of money for 
^he fortification of the sea coast, and inland frontiers, for the es- 
tablishment of naval docks, and for increasing th'> navy. The 
superintendence of these works belonged to the president. So- 
licitous to discharge his duty in reference to them with judgment, 
fidelity, and econoniy, he was induced to visit the most import* 
ant points along the sea coast, and in the interior, from a con- 
viction of being bettei able to direct in reference to them, with 
the knowledge derived from personal observation, *han by means 
oi' information communicated to him by others. He left Wash- 
ington on the Isi of June, accompanied by Gpn. Joseph C. 
Swift, chief engineer of the United States, and his private secre- 
tary, Mr. Mason. Passing through Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
New- York, New-Haven, Hartfora, New-London, and Provi- 
den-ce, he arrived in Boston, in which place and its vicinity, he 
spent several days. 

On leaving Boston, be continued eastward to Portland, through 
Salen), Newburypoi t, and Portsmouth ; and thence directed his 
course westward to Plattsburg, in the state of JSew York. In 
his route thither, he passed through Dover, Concord, and Hano- 
ver, in New-Hampshire, and through Windsor, and Burlington, 
in Vermont. The important post of Plattsburg occupies, his 
close attention for severa4 days. From this latter place he con^ 
tinned westward, to Ogdensburg, Sackett's Harbour, and De- 
troit. Having now effected the leading objects of his tour, he 
commenced his return to the seat of government through the in- 
terior of Ohio. At the close of the day, Sept. 17th, he entered 
W^ashington, after having been absent more than three months, 



specie went a large portion of that which was in the country at tho close 
of the war. The exportation of specie from the United St-^tes to ChinOi 
alons, in tfiree years, amounted to abore seventeen millions of dollare. 
Viz :— 1816-17 ^4,572,000 

17-18 5,300,009 

18-19 7,414.000 



^17,280,000 



r. 



3C4 TERIOD XI....1817....1822. 

« 

and having travelled three thousand miles. In tlic course of his 
tour, the president examined the various fortifications on the sea 
board, and in the interior, visited publick buildings and instilu* 
tions, devoted to the purposes of literature, the arts, and general 
benevolence. — Although undesirous of attracting publick atten- 
tion on a tour, whose object was the good of his country, he was 
met by a respectable deputation from the various places, through 
which it was understood he would pass, and in i'vely and patri* 
otick addresses was welcomed to their hospitality. 

Section IH. Conffress met on the 1st of Do- 
ember. In his message at the opening of the 
>ession, the president staled that the national 
credit was attaining a high elevation; that pre- 
parations for the defence of the country were 
progressing, under a well digested system; lliat 
arrangements had been made with Great Britain 
to reduce the naval force of the two countries on 
the western lakes, and that it was agreed that 
each country should keep possession of the isl- 
ands which belonged to it before the war ; and 
that the foreign relations of the country conti- 
nued to be pacifick. Tlie message concluded 
with recommending the surviving officers and 
soldiers of the revolutionary army to the special 
notice of congress, and the repeal of the inter- 
nal duties, on the ground that the state of tho 
treasury rendered their longer continuan-ce un- 
necessary. 

Section IV. On the 11th, the state of Missis- 
sippi was acknowledged by congress as sove- 
reign and independent, and was admitted to the 
union. 

The first European, who visited the present state of Missis- 
sippi, appears to have been Ferdinand de Soio, a native of Ba- 
dajoz, in Spain, who landed on the coast of Florida on the 2r>th 
of May, J 539. He spent tliree years in the country searching 
for gold, but at length died, and was buried on the banks of the 
ISlississippi, May, 1542. 

In 1683, iM. de Salle descended the Mississippi and gave the 
name of Louisiana to the country. In consequence of this, the 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. S65 

French ciaimed to have jurisdiction over it. In 17 16, they formed 
a settlement at the Natchez, and built a fort, which they nam* 
ed Rosalie. Other settlements were effected in subsequent years. 
The French settlements were, however, seriously disturbed by 
the Indians, particularly by the Natchez, once the mos* powei« 
ful of all the southern tribes. 

The French retained an acknowledged title to the country, 
on the east side of the Mississippi, until the treaty of 1763, 
when they ceded their possessions, east of that river, to the 
English. By the treaty of 1783, Great Britain relinquished the 
Floridas to Spain, without specifick boundaries; and at the 
same time, ceded to the United States all the country north of 
the thirty-first degree of latitude. The Spaniards retained pos- 
session of the Natchez and the ports north of the thirty-first de- 
gree, until 179s, when they finally abandoned them to the Unit^ 
ed States. 

In the year 1800, the territory between the Mississippi and 
the western boundary of Georgia was erected into a distinct 
territorial government. By treaty in 1801, at fort Adams, the 
Choctaw Indians relinquished to the United States a large body 
of land, and other cessions have since been made. On the 1st 
of March, 18l7j congress authorised the people of the western 
part of Mississippi territory to form a constitution and state go- 
vernment. A convention met in July, 1817, by which a consti« 
lution was formed, and in December following, Mississippi was 
admitted into the union as a separate state 

Section V. In the course of the same month, 
an expedition which had been set on foot by a 
number of adventurers, from different countries, 
against East and West Florida, was terminated 
by the troops of the United States. These ad- 
venturers claimed to be acting under the autho- 
rity of some of the South American colonies, and 
had formed an establishment at Amelia Island, a 
Spanish province, then the subject of negotia- 
tion between the United States and Spain. — 
Their avowed object being an invasion of the 
Floridas, and of course an invasion of a part of 
the United States, the American government 
deemed itself authorized, without designing any 
hostility to Spain, to take possession of Amelia 
Island, their head quarters. 



SGO PERIOD XI....1817....1822. 

A similar establishment had previously been formed at GaK 
vezton, a small island on the coast of the Texas, claimed by the 
United States. From both of these jilaces privateers were fitted 
out, which greatly annoyed our regular commerce. Prizes 
were sent in, and by a pretended court of admiralty, condemned 
and sold. Slaves, in great numbers, were shipjied through these 
Islands to the United States, and through the same channel ex- 
tensive clandestine importations of goods were made. Justly 
apprehending the results of these establishments, if suffered to 
proceed unmolested, the executive took early measures to sup- 
press them. Accordingly, a naval force, with the necessary 
«roops, was despatched under command of Captains Henly and 
Bankhead, to whom Amelia Island was surrendered, on the 
24th of December, without the effusion of blood. The sup- 
pression of Galvezton followed soon after. 

Section VI. Several bills of importance pass- 
ed congress, during their session, in the winter 
of 1817, 1818; a bill allowing to the members 
of the senate, and house of representatives, the 
sum of eight dollars per day, during their attend- 
ance ; a second, in compliance with the recom- 
mendation of the president, abolishing the in- 
ternal duties; and a third, providing, upon the 
same recommendation, for the indigent officers 
and soldiers of the revolutionary army. 

The compensation bill, as it was called, excited much sensa- 
tion throughout the nation, on the ground that the sum was un- 
necessarily enhanced, and gave occasion to long and animated 
debates on the floor of the house of representatives. By a por- 
tion of the representatives, strenuous efforts were made to fix the 
per diem allowance at six dollars, while others attempted to 
rabe it to nine or ten. After a protracted discussion of the 
subject, it was fixed at eight dollars. 

Against the repeal of the internal duties, few objections were 
i»rged. The recommendation of the president to repeal them 
was anticipated, and on taking the vote in the house of repre- 
sentatives, one hundred and sixty were found in favour of the 
bill, and but five voices against it. 

In calling the attention of congress to the happy situation of 
the United States, the president, in his message, adverted with 
much sensibility, to the surviving officers and soldiers of the 
revolutionary army, who, by their services had laid the founda- 
tion of American glory. Most of those who survived the 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 367 

achievement of our independence, said he, have paid the debt of 
nature. Among the survivors there are some, who are reduced 
to indigence, and even to real distress. These men have a claim 
on the gratitude of their country, and it will do honour to their 
country to provide for them. The lapse of a few more years, 
and the opportunity will be lost forever, as they will all have 
gone to the grave. In compliance with this recommendation, 
a bill was introduced into congress, which, after some amend- 
ments, passed, granting to indigent officers of the revolutionary 
army the sum of twenty dollars, per month, during life, and of 
ejght dollars, per month, during life, to indigent non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. 

Section VII. In April 1818, Illinois adopted 
a state constitution, and in December following, 
was admitted as a member of the union. 

Illinois derives its name from its principal river, which, in 
the language of the Indians, signifies the river of men. The 
first settlements, like those of Indiana, were made by the 
French, and were the consequence of the adventurous enterpri- 
ses of M. de la Salle, in search of the Mississippi. — The firs ; 
settlements were the villages of Kaskaskia and Cahokia. In 
the beginning of the eighteenth century, the settlements of Illi- 
nois were represented to have been in a flourishing condition. 
But subsequently they in a great measure declined. 

From the beginning to the middle of the eighteenth century, 
little was heard of the settlements of the French, on the banks 
of the Illinois. About 1749, the French began to fortify the 
Wabash and Illinois, in order to resist the British. In 1762, all 
the country to the east of the Mississippi was ceded to the latter 
power, and consequently Illinois passed under the British do- 
minion. At the peace of 1783, Great Britain renounced its 
claims of sovereignty over this country, as well as over the 
United States. Virginia, however, and some other states, 
claimed the whole country, north and west of the Ohio ; but at 
the instance of congress, a cession of these claims was made to 
the general government. Illinois remained a part of Indiana 
until 1 809, when a distinct territorial government was establish- 
ed for it. In 1818, the people formed a constitution, and it is 
now one of the United States. 

Section VII. Early after the conclusion of 
this session of congress, the president, in pursu- 
ance of his determination to visit such parts of 
the United States as were most exposed to the 
naval and military forces of an enemy, prepared 



368 PERIOD XI....1817....1822. 

to survey the Chesapeake bay, and the country 
lying on its extensive shores. 

In the month of May, Ji^ left Washington, accompanied by 
the secretary of war, and the secretary of the navy, with other 
gentlemen of distinction. On his arrival at Annapolis, the pre- 
sident and his suite minutely examined the waters contiguous, 
in reference to their fitness for a naval depot. Embarking at this 
place on board a vessel, he further examined the coast, and 
thence proceeded to Norfolk. Having at length accomplished 
the principal object of his tour, in the examination of the Che 
sapeake bay, he returned to Washington, June 17th, through 
the interior of Virginia. The respectful, and affectionate de 
iiionstrations of attachment, paid to him during his northern 
tour, were renewed in this. 

Section IX. On the 27th of May, 1818, atrea- 
ty, conchided with Sweden, at Stockholm, on the 
4th of September, 1816, by Mr. Russel, minis- 
ter plenipotentiary to that court, was ratified by 
the president and senate, on the part of the 
United States. The same was ratified by the 
king of Sweden on the 24th of the following 
.July. 

This treaty provided for maintaining peace and friendship 
between the two countries — reciprocal liberty of commerce — 
equalization of duties, &c. &c. The treaty was to continue in 
force for eight years from the exchange of ratifications. 

Section X. During the year 1818, a war was 
carried on between the Seminole Indians, and 
the United States, which terminated in the com 
plete discomfiture of the former. 

The history of this war is rendered the more interesting by 
the conspicuous part which the hero of New-Orleans bore in it, 
and the decisive, though novel measures which he adopted in 
prosecuting it. 

The Indians, denominated Seminole Indians, inhabited a tract 
of country, partly within the limits of the United States, but a 
greater part of which lies within the boundaries of the Floridas, 
They originally consisted of fugitives from the northern tribes, 
resident within the limits of the United States. After the treaty 
of 1814 with the Creek Indians, a considerable addition was 
made to these fugitives from the Creeks, numbers of whom, be- 
ing dissatisfied with the provisions of that treaty, withdrew te 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 3Q) 

the Seminoles, carrying with them feelings of hostility against 
ihe United Stales. These feelings seem to have been much 
strengthened by foreign emissaries, who had taken up their re- 
sidence among them for the purposes of trade, among whom, as 
the most conspicuous, were two Englislunei:, Alexander Ar 
buthnot and Robert C. Ambrister. Many outrages were per- 
petrated from time to time, by the Indians, upon the border in- 
liabitants, and several murders, under aggravated circumstances, 
were committed. Moreover, with a demand by General Gaines, 
the United States' officer, in that quarter, to deliver up the of- 
Tejideis, the Indians refused to ctmiply, alleging that the first 
and greatest aggressions had proceeded from the whites. In 
consequence of tliis refusal. Gen. Gaines was instructed, by the 
secretary of war, to remove, at his discretion, such Indians as 
were still on the lands ceded to the United States by the Creeks 
in 18J4. 

Pursuant to this discretionary authority, Gen. Gaines detached 
a party of near three imndred men, under command of Major 
Twiggs, to take an Indian village called Fowl Town, about four- 
teen mu^-s from fort Scott, and near the Florida line. In execut- 
ing this order, one man and one woman were killed, and two 
women made prisoners. A few days after, as a second detach- 
ment were on a visit to the Town, to obtain property, they were 
fired upon, and a skirmish ensued, in which several on both 
sides were killed and wounded. Shortly after this event, Lieir- 
tenant Scott, with a detachment of forty men, seven women, and 
some children, ascending the Appalachicola, with supplies for 
the garrison at F'ort Scott, were attacked, and the whole party 
killed, excepting six men, who made their escape, and a woman 
win was taken prisoner. 

From this time, the war became serious. The Indians, ia 
considerable numbers, were <;mbodied, and an open attack was 
made on Fort Scott, to which Genei al Gaines with about six hun- 
dred regular soldiers was for a time confined. Information of 
t1iis state of things being communicated to the department of 
war, General Jackson was ordered, Dec. 2G, to take the field, 
and directed, if he should deem the force with General Gaines, 
amounting to one thousand and eight hundred men, insufficient 
to cope with the enemy, " to call on the executives of the adja- 
cent states for such an additional militia force as he might deem 
requisite." On the receipt of this order. General Jackson pre- 
pared to comply ; but instead of calling upon the executivrs of 
the neighbouring states, especially upon the governour of Ten- 
nessee, who lived near his residence, he addressed a circular to 



370 PERIOD XI....1817 ...1S22. 

the patriots of West Tennessee, inviting one tnousand of them 
to join his standard.* 

At the same time he wrote to the governour of Tennessee 
iWMinn, informing him of the appeal he had made to the men 
whom he had led to victory on the plains of Talledega, £muck' 
fau, and Tohopeko, and added, '' should the appeal prove ineffi 
cacious, I will embrace the earliest opportunity of making die 
requisition on you for a like number of drafted militia." The 
call of General Jackson was promptly obeyed, and the thousand 
volunteers, officered by the general,! or by the volunteers them< 
selves, were ordered to Fort Scott. 

Before taking up his march, he wrote, Jan. 12th, to the seci-e- 
tary of war, apprising him o) the appeal he had made to the Ten- 
nesseeans, assigning as his reason for such a step, ihat he deemed 
the force with general Gaines, one thousand eight hundred, in- 
sufficient, and " that the givater portion of this number were 
drafted militia from Georgia, who might apply for their dischartre 
at the expiration of three months from the time they were mus- 
tered," about the time he should probably reach Fort Scott. To 
this communication the secretary replied — " I have the honour 
to acquaint you of the entire approbation of the president, of all 
the measures wliich j'ou have adopted to terminate the rupture 
with the Indians." 

With these troops, and a number of friendly Creeks, under 
Gen M'lntosh, raised by General Gaines, Jackson entered upon 
the Seminole war. 

As a considerable number of ther-^ Indians dwelt in Florida, 
it became necessary to pursue the enemy thither. Anticipating 
the necessity of this measure, tlie secretary of war issued an or- 
der to General Gaines, while he w;!s in command, to pursue them 
into Florida if necessary, " and to attack them within its limits, 



♦ The apology offered by General Jackson for not calling upon the 50- 
vernour of Tennessee was, that at the time the order was issued, for him 
to take the field, the governour was either at Knoxville, or in the Chero>. 
kee nation; and that to have waited the result of the usual process ol 
drafting, would have produced the two evils of much loss of valuable time, 
and the raising of a force reluctant in disposition, and inefficient in cha« 
racter and equipment. 

t It has been denied tliat General Jackson appointed the officers of the 
volunteer corps. " It is true," however, sa) s his defence, (see Niles' Reg- 
ister Vol. 16, p. 52.) " that he appealed to the officers who had gallantly 
fought with him in the wilderness of the Creek nation and on the plains 
of New Orleans, and again roused them to the defence of their frontiers. 
But their appointments to command were, in all cases, made by the choice 
of the men whom they (the officers to whom General Jackson had appeal- 
•dj brought into the field." 



iMONROE'S ADJMINISTRATION. sfl 

unless they should sheher themselves under a Spanish fort. In 
(his last event you will immediately notify this depaitment." 

Deeming it necesstary for the s^ubjugation of the Seminoles, to 
enter Florida, General Jackson marched upon St. Marks, a feeble 
Spanish garrison, in which some Indians liad taken refuge. 0/ 
this garrison, General Jackson quietly took possession, and oc- 
cupied it as an American post.* At St. Marks was found Alex- 
ander Arbulhnot, who was taken prisoner, and put in confine- 
ment. At the same time were taken two Indian chiefs, one of 
whom pretended to possess the spirit of prophecy ; they were 
hung without trial.t St. ^larks being garrisoned by American 
troops, the army marched to Suwaney river, on which they found 
a large Indian village, which was consumed, after which the 
army returned to St. Marks, bringing with them Robert C. Am- 
brister, who had been taken prisoner on their march to Suwaney. 
During the halt of the army for a few days at St. Marks, a gene- 
ral court martial was called, upon whose result, General Jack- 
son issued the following general order. " At a special court 
martial, commenced on the 26ti) instant at St. Marks, and con- 
tinued until the night of the 28th, of which brevet Major-Gene- 
yral E. P. Gaines was president, was tried A. Arbuthnot, on the 
ibllowing charges and specifications, viz : 

Charge 1st, Exciting and stirring up the Creek Indians to 
war against the United States and iier citizens, he, A. Arbuth- 
not, being a subject of Great Britain, with whom the United 
States are at peace. 

Charge 2d, Acting as a spy ; aiding, abetting, and comfort- 
ing the enemy, and supplying them with the means of war. 

Charge 3d, Exciting the Indians to murder and destroy Wil- 
liam Hambly and Edmund Doyle, confiscate their property, 



♦ This disobedience of the orders which had been given to General 
Gaines, not to attack a Spanish fort, but to notiiy tlie secretary of war, 
Bhould any Indians take shelter under one, was defended by General Jack- 
son, on tlie ground, that orders issued to one olEcer couid not be construed 
as orders lo his successor without a special reference to the first .■ — that his 
orders were general and discretiotiary : — and that the circumstances contem- 
plated by the orders to General Gaines never existed. The Indians not 
being found under the guns of a Spanish fort, but shellered within its walls. 

t In the defence of General Jackson, already aluded to, it is stated that 
Francis, the prophet, had long been a dire and dangerous foe to the Uni- 
ted States, that he had a brigadier's commission firom Great Britain, and 
by his superstitious influence instigated his brethren to deeds of rapine 
and massacre. The other chief had headed the party, who, in cold blood, 
murdered Scott and liis unhappy comparJons, wMle ascending the Appa- 
lachicola. These considerations tlie General deemed sufficient to juatifj 
the summary course, adopted in r^epect to them. 



Sy2 PERIOD XI....1817....182a. 

and causing their arrest, with a view to tJjcir condemnation tu 
death, and the seizure of their property, they being citi/ens ol 
Spiiin, on account of their active and zealous exertions to main* 
taid peace between Spain, the United States, and the Indians. 

To which charges the prisoner pleaded not guilty. 

The court, after mature deliberation on the evidence adduced, 
find the prisoner, A. Arbuthnot, guilty of the first charge, and 
guilly of the second charge, leaving out the words "acting as a 
spy ;" and afte^ mature refl>xtiori, sentence him, A. Arbuthnot, 
to be susjx'.ndcd by the neck, until he is {lead. 

Was also tried, Robert C. Anibrister, on the following charges, 
vi/,. 

Charge 1st, Aiding, abetting, and coniforting the enemy, and 
supplying them with the means of war, he being a subject of 
Great Britain, who are at peace with the United States, and late 
an oHicer in the British colonial marines. 

Charge 2d, Leading and commanding the lower Creek In- 
dians in carrying on a war against the United States. 

To which charges the prisoner pleaded as follows : to the 
first charge not guilty, to the second charge guilty, and justifica- 
tion," 

" The court, on examination of evidence, and on mature de- 
liberation, find the prisoner, Robert C. Ambrister, guilty of the 
first and second charges, and do therefore sentence him to suffer 
death by being shot. The members requesting a reconsidera- 
tion of the vote on this sentence, and it being had, they sentence 
the prisoner to receive fifty stripes on his bare back, and be con- 
fined wilh a ball and chain, to hard labour for twelve calendar 
months. The commanding general approves thf. finding and 
sentence of the court, in the case of A. Arbuthnot, and approves 
the finding and ^rs< sentence of the court, in the case of Robert 

C. Ambrister, and disapproves the reconsideration of the sen- 
tence of ih , honourable court in this case. 

" It ajipears from the evidence and pleading of the prisoner, 
that he did lead and command within the territory of Spain, 
(being a subject of Great Britain,) the Indians in war against the 
United States, those nations being at peace. It is an established 
principle of the laws of nations, that any individual of a nation, 
making wiir against the citizens of any other nation, they being 
at peace, forfeits his allegiance, and becomes an outlaw and pi- 
rate. This is t\ie case of Robert C. Ambrister, clearly shown 
by the evidence adduced. 

*' The commanding general orders that brevet Major A. C. 

D. Fanning, of the corps of artillery, will have between the hours 
of eight and nine o'clock, A. M. A. Arbuthnot suspended bjr 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. S^S 

Uit fleck with a rope, until he is dead, and Roberi C. Ambrister 
to be shot to death, agreeably to the sentence ol" the court." 

From St. Marks, General Jackson addressed communicatians 
to the secretary ol" war, informing him that the Indian forces 
iiad been divided and scattered, and that his presence in that 
country could be no longer necessary ; and that he should soon 
leave St. Marks for Fort Gadsden, where, after making all ne- 
cessary arrangements to scour the country, he should retire. In- 
formation, however, was given him, some days after, that the 
governour of Pensacola was favouring the Indians. On learn- 
ing this, General Jackson, with his forces, took up his ma.ch for 
the capital of that province, before which, after a march of 
twenty days, he appeared. This place was taken with scarce 
the show of resistance. — The governour had escaped to Baran- 
cas, a fort six miles distant, to which place the army soon 
marched. The fortress was invested on the 25th of May, and 
a demand being made for its surrender, and refused, an attack 
upon it was made, both by sea and land, and, after a bombard- 
ment and cannonading of the place, for two days, the garrison 
surrendered, as prisoners of war, and the officers of the govern- 
ment, civil and military, were transported, agreeably to the 
terms of capitulation, to Havana. A new government was 
established for the province, the powers of which were vested 
partly in military officers, and partly in citizens of the province. 
General Jackson now announced to the secretary that the Semi- 
nole war was closed, and returned to his residence at Nashville. 
Some tune after, the American executive, deeming the longer 
possession of the Spanish forts unnecessary to the peace of the 
country, and inconsistent with good faith to Spain, directed them 
lo be restored, and accompanied the restoration with the reasons 
which had led to their occupation. 

The measures adopted by General Jackson in the prosecu- 
tion of this war — particularly his appeal to the people of Wesl 
Tennessee — his conduct in relation to the trial and execution 
of Arbuthnot and Ambrister — and his occupation of St. Marks 
and Pensacola — excited strong sensations in the bosoms of a 
considerable portion of the American people. During the ses- 
sion of congress in the winter of 1818 — 18 19. these subjects were 
extensively and eloquently debated. By the military commit- 
tee of the house, a report was presented censuring the conduct 
of General Jackson ; but, after an elaborate examination of the 
case, the house, by a majority of one hundred and eight, to 
sixty-two, refused its concuiTence. Towards the close of the 
session a report unfavourable to General Jackson, vtras also 
brought forward in the senate, but no vote of censure or result) 
tiQD was attached, and no discussion of its merits was hsdi 

32 



874 PERIOD xr....lS17....1822. 

Section XI. On the 28th of January, 1819, a 
convention between Great Britain and the Unit- 
ed States, concluded at London, October 20th, 
1813, and ratified by the Prince Regent on the 
2d of November following, was ratified by tlie 
president of the United States. 

By the first article of this convention, the citizens of the Unit- 
ed States have liberty, in common with the subjects of Great 
Britain, to take fish on the southern, western, and northern coast 
of Newfoundland, &c. The second article establishes the north- 
ern boundaries ol tlie United States from the Lake of tl)e Woods, 
to the Stoney Mountains. By the fourth article, the coraraer 
cial convention between the two countries, concluded at Lon 
don, in 1815, is extended for the term of ten years longer, &c 
&c. 

Section Xil. On the 22d of February, follow 
ing, a treaty was concluded at Washington, by 
John Q,uin(?j/ Adams, and Luis de Onis, by 
which East and West Florida, with all the Isl- 
ands adjacent, &c. were ceded by Spain to the 

United »Stnte;i. 

By this treaty the v/estern boundary between the United 
States and Spain was settled. A sum not exceeding five mil- 
lions of dollars is to bo paid by the United States out of the pro- 
ceeds of sales of lands in Florida, or in stock, or money, to citi- 
zens of the United States, on account of Spanish spoliations and 
injuries. To liquidate tlie claims, a board was to be constitcted 
by the gcvernment of the United States, of American citizens, 
to consisrt of three commissioners, who should report within 
tUree years. 

Such were the essential provisions of the above treaty, which 
was ratified by the president and senate on the 24th. UndT a 
full confidence that it would, within six months, the time stipu- 
lated, be ratified by his Catholick Majesty. His majesty, how- 
ever, declined the ratification, on the ground that the American 
government had attempted to alter one of the principal articles 
of the treaty by a declaration, which the minister of the United 
States had been ordered to present, on the exchange of ratifica- 
tions ; and also o!i the ground that the government of the United 
States had recently tolerated o" protected an expedition from 
(he United States against the province of Texas. 

In a message to congress, the president satisfactorily explained 
iTtejje subjects, and suomitted to their consideration whrther b 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 375 

"vould not be proper for the United States to carry the treaty 
into effect on her part, in the same manner as if it had been ra- 
tified by Spain, claiming on their part all its advantage, and 
yielding to Spain those secured by her. A bill, authorizing the 
president to tak*^ possession of Florida, was introduced into 
the liouse, but the subject was postponed to the consideration of 
the next congress. In October, 1 820, the liing of Spain gave 
the treaty his signature. On the I9th of February following, 
1821, the president, with the advice of the senate, finally ratifi* 
ed the treaty. Formal possession of the territory was given to 
Ganeral .Jackson, as the commissioner of the United States, in 
the month of July following. 

Sectio7i XlTI. On the 2d of March, 1819, the 
government of the Arkansas Territory was 
organized by act ofcong»"3ss. 

The earliest settlement, within the limits of the territory of 
Arkansas, was made by the Chevalier de Tunte,in lo85, at the 
Indian village of Arkansas, situated on the river of ihat name. 
Emigrants from Canada afterwards arrived, but the progress of 
settlement was slow. Upon the cession of Louisiana to the Unit- 
ed States, the ceded territory was diviilod into two parts, the 
territorij of Orleans, lying south of latitude thirty degrees and 
the diiih'ict of Louisiana, comprehtndiiig all the tract of coun- 
try between the Mississippi and the Facifick Ocean. In March, 
1805, the latter country was denominated the Territory of Lou- 
isiana. In 1812, this teiritory was constituted a territorial go- 
vernment, by the name of the Territory of Missouri. In March, 
1819, the inhabitants of the northern parts were formed into a 
distinct district, by the name of Missouri, and soon after the 
southern was formed into a territorial government by the name 
of Arkansas. In December, 1819, an election for a delegate to 
congress was held for the first time. 

Section XIV. During the following summer, 
1819, the president visited the southern section 
of the country, having in view the same great 
national interests, which had prompted him in 
his previous tour to the north. 

In this tour the president visited Charleston, Savannah, and 
Augusta; from this latter place he proceeded to Nashville, 
ihrouj^*^ die Cherokee nation, and thence to Louisville and Lex- 
ington, Kentucky, whence he returned to the seat of government, 
<>drly in August. 

Section XV. On the 14th of December fol- 



376 PEKIOD \L...1S17....1822. 

lowing, a resolution passed congress admitting 
Alabama into the union, on an equal footing 
with the original states. 

Alabama, though recently settled, appears to have been visit- 
ed by Ferdinand de Soto, in 1539. Some scattered settlements 
were made within the present state of Mississinni before the 
American revolution, but Alabama continued fne hunt'ng ground 
of savages, until a much later period. 

After the peace of 1783, Georgia laid claim to this territory, 
and exercised jurisdiction over it, until the beginning of the pre- 
sent century. In 1795, an act passed the legislature of Georgia, 
by which twenty-five millions of acres, of its ivestern territory, 
were sold to companies for five hundred thousand dollars, and 
the piurchase money was paid into their treasury. The purchas* 
ers of thes^ lands soon afte'^ «old thpir at advanced prices. The 
sale of the territory excited a warm opposition in Georgia, and at 
a subsequent meeting of the legislature, the transaction was im- 
peached, on the ground of bribery, corruption, and unconstitu- 
tionality. The records respecting the sale were ordered to be 
bwnt, and he five hundred thousand dollars to be refunded to 
the purchasers. Those v/ho had acquired titles of the original 
purchasers instituted suits in the federal courts. 

In 1802, however, Georgia ceded to the United States all her 
western teiritory, for one mir/ion,tW() hundred antl fifty thousand 
dollars. On this event, the purchasers of the Yazoo land peti- 
tioned congress for redress and compensation. After consi(^er- 
abie opposition, an aci passed for reimbursing them with funded 
stock, called the Mississippi stock. In 1800, the territory which 
now ftirms the states of Mississippi and Alabama, was erected 
n»to a lerritorial government. In 18 i 7, Mississippi territory 
was divided and the western portion of it was authorized to form 
a state constitution. The eastern portion w ^s then formed into 
a territoral government and received the nKaie of Alabama. In 
July, 1 8 1 9, a convention of delegates met at HI untsville, and adopt- 
ed a state constitution, which being approved by congress in De- 
cember following, the state was declar-^.d to be henceforth one oJ 
the United States. 

Section XVI. In the ensuing year, March 3d 
1820, Maine became an independant state, and 
a member of the federal union. 

The separation of the District of Maine from Massachusetts, 
and its erection into an independent state, had br^en frequently 
attempted without success. In October, 1785, " convention met 
at Portland, for the purpose of considering th's subject. In the 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. flTf 

succeeding year, the question was submitted to the people of 
Maine, to be decided in town raoetings, when it was found that 
a majority of freemen were against the measure. The subject 
was renewed in 1802, when a majority appeared averse to a 
separation. In 1819, an act passed the general court of Mas* 
sachusetts, for ascertaining the wishes of the people ; in confoim- 
ity to which, a vote was taken in all the towns. A large ma- 
jority were found in favour of a separation. A convention was 
called, and a constitution adopted, which being approved, Mas- 
sachusetts and Maine amicably separated, the latter taking her 
proper rank, as one of the United States. 

Section XVII. On the 3d of March, 1821, the 
16th congress closed its second session. Few 
subjects of importance were discussed, and but 
little done for the advancement of publick inter- 
est, or the promotion of private prosperity. 
Acts were patsed to admit Missouri into 'the uni- 
on conditionally ; to reduce the military peace 
establishment to four regiments of artillery, and, 
seven regiments of infantry, with their proper 
officers ; and to carry into further execution the 
provisions of treaties with Spain and Great Bri- 
tain. 

Section XVIII. On the 5th, Mr. Monroe, who 
had been re-elected to the presidency, took the 
usual oath of office. The re-election of Monroe 
was nearly unanimous. Mr. Tompkins was 
again elected vice-president. 

Section XIX. August 10th, 1821, the presi- 
dent, by his proclamation, declared Missouri to 
be an independent state, and that it was admit- 
ted int#the federal union. 

The first permanent settlements, in Missouri, appear to have 
been made at St. Genevieve and New-Bourbon, which wer« 
founded soon after the peace of lfi63. In the succeeding year, 
St. Louis, the capital of the state, was commenced. In 1 762, 
Louisiana, and Missouri of course, were secretly ceded by France. 
to Spain ; but the latter did not attempt to take possession ol 
the country until some years after. 

Missouri remained in possession of Spain, through the war rf 

32* 



d78 PERIOD Xl....iei7....1882. 

tbe revolution, until the cession of Louisiana to France, in 
1801, by which latter power it was ceded to the United 
States in 1803. 

Upon the cession of Louisiana to the United States, the dis« 
trict, which now forms the state of Louisiana, was separated 
from the territory, and made a distinct government, by the name 
of the territory of Orleans. In 1811, the territory of Orleans 
became a state, by the name of Louisiana. The remaining 
part of the original province of Louisiana, extending to the Pa- 
cihck, was erected into a territorial government, and called Mis- 
souri. In 1818-19, application was made to congress by the 
people of this territory, to form a state constitution. A bill was 
accordingly introduced, for the purpose, a provision of which 
forbade slavery or involuntary servitude. The bill with this 
provision passed the house of representatives, but was rejected 
in the senate, and, in consequence of this disagreement, the mea- 
sure, for the time, failed. In the session of 1819-20, the bill 
was revived ; and, after long and animated debates, a compro- 
mise was effected, by which slavery was to be^olerated in Mis- 
souri, and forbidden in all that part of Louisiana, as ceded by 
France, lying north of 36^ 30' north latitude, except so much 
as was included within the limits of the state. In the mean time 
the people of Missouri had formed a state constitution. When 
this constitution was presented to congress, in 1820-21, a pro- 
vision in it, which required the legislature to pass laws " to pre- 
vent free negroes and muUattoes from coming to, and settling in 
the state," was strenuously opposed, on the ground that it violat- 
ed the rights of such pei-sons of that description, as were citizens 
of any of the United States. The contest occupied a great part 
of the session, and it was finally determined, by a small majority, 
that Missouri should be admitted, upon the fundamental condi- 
tion, that the contested clause should not be construed to autho- 
rize the passage of any laws, excluding citizens of other states 
(rom enjoying the privileges to which they are entitled, by the 
constitution of the United States. It was also provided, that if 
the legislature of Missouri should, by a solemn publick act, pre- 
viously to the 4th Monday of November, 1821, declare the as- 
Jient of the state to this fundamental condition, tM president 
should issue his proclamation, declaring the admissimi complete. 
On the 24th of June, 1821, the legislature of Missouri assented 
to the fundamental condition ; and, on the 10th of August fol- 
lowing, the president's proclamation was issued, declaring the 
(Mlmission complete.* 



1.' ♦ American Atlas — ^Philadelphia. 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. Sfff) 

Section XX. The first session of the seven- 
teenth congress commenced on the 3d of De-' 
cember. The affairs of the nation were generally 
prosperous, and there seemed to be no obstacle 
in the way of wise and prudent measures. A 
spirit of jealously, however, obtruded itself upon 
their deliberations, by which some beneficial 
measures were defeated, and the business of the 
session was unnecessarily delayed and neglected. 
Several acts of importance, however, were pass-^ 
ed, concerning navigation and commerce ;— . 
relieving still further the indigent veterans of the 
revolution ; — and fixing the ratio, between popu- 
lation and representation, at one representative 
for every forty thousand inhabitants. 

The constitution has not limited the number, but has only 
provided that no more than one shall be sent for thirty thousand 
inhabitants. Publick opinion seems generally to have decided 
that a numerous representation is an evil, by which not only the 
business of the nation is neglected, in the conflicts of individual 
opinions, but the people are subjected to an unnecessary ex- 
pense. The congress that signed the Declaration of Indepen' 
dence consisted but of fifty-six members ; and no diliberativ^ 
assembly excelled them, in industry and publick virtue. 
The congress that formed the confederation consisted 
of forty-eight ; that which formed the constitution consisted erf 
only thirty-nine, and the first congress under that constitution, 
of bufsixty-five. After the first census, the appointment being 
one for every thirty-three thousand inhabitants, the house con- 
sisted of one hundred and five representatives. The same ap-c 
portionment being continued under the second census, there 
were one hundred and forty-one representatives. — The appor- 
tionment, under the third census, allowed one for thirty-five 
thousand ; and the house consisted of one hundred and eighty- 
seven members. The ratio fixed upon, by the present congress, 
is one for forty thousand ; and the number of representatives is 
two hundred and twelve. ' 

Section XXI. During the above session of 
congress, March 31, 1822, si territorial govern- 
ment was established for Florida. 

The name of Florida was formerly given to an immense re- 



380 PERIOD XI....1S17....1822. 

gion of country, discovered by Cabot, in 1497. The first visit- 
ant to the actual territory of Florida was Ponce de Leon, who 
landed on Easter day, 1512. Navigators, iVom several coun- 
tries, visited it, and various European sovereigns attempted to 
appropriate the country to tiiemselves. 

Spain, however, held possession of it until 17(>3j when it was 
ceded to Great Britain. In May, 1781, Don Galvez captured 
Pensacola, and, soon aUerwiinls. completed the conquest of the 
whole of West Floiida, which remained in possession of Spain, 
luitil 1783, when Great Britain relinquished butli provinces of 
Florida to Spain. 

By the treaty of France, in 1803, which ceded Louisiana to 
'he Unite«l States, it was declared to be ceded, witii the same 
e.vtent tliiil it had in the haiuis of Spain, when ceded to France. 
By virtue of this declaration, the United States claimed the 
country west of the Perdido river, and. in 1811, took possession 
of it, except the town and lort of Mobile, which were surrender- 
ed the followiiio year. In I Si 4, a British expedition having 
been fitted out against the United States, tVom Pensacola, Gene- 
ral Jackson took jiossession of the town ; but, having no au- 
thority to hold it, returned to Mobile. The Seminole Indians, 
with whom the ITnited States were at war, residing partly within 
the limits of Florida, and making their incursions thence with- 
out restraint from the Spaniards, it became necessary to cross 
"^ ' the territorial line, to chastise them. Subsequently, General 
Jackson took possession of Fort St. INIarks and Pensacola, 
which the American troojis held till November, 1818, when 
they were restored to Spain. In IS 19, a transfer of the whole 
province was made, by treaty, to the United States, and, after 
many vexations delnys. the treaty was ratified, by Spain, in 
October 1820, and, finxlly, by the United States, in the month 
of February, 1821. Possession was delivered to General Jack- 
son, as commissioner of the United States, in Jul}', 1821. 

Section XXII. Tlie second session of the 
seventeenth congress commenced at Washing- 
ton, on the "^d of Decenil)er. In his message, 
at the opening of the session, the president in- 
formed congress that, in June, a convention of 
navigation and commerce, resting essentially on 
a basis of reciprocal and equal advantage to the 
two countries, had been concluded between 
France and the United States ; — that the prohi- 
bition, which had been imposed on the commerce^ 



»1V 



MONROE'S ADMLMSTIiATION. 38i 

between the United States and the British colo- 
nies, in the West Indies and on this continent, 
had been removed, and that tiie ports of those 
colonies had been opened to the vessels of me 
United States, by an act of the British parlia- 
ment. 

In a second message, a few days subsequent- 
ly, the president introduced to the notice of con- 
gress the interesting subject of the " multiplied 
outrages and depredations, recently committed 
on our seamen and commerce, by Pirates, in the 
West Indies and Gulf of Mexico," and recom- 
mended the immediate organization of an effi- 
cient force to suppress th(,'m. A bill was ac- 
cordingly introduced, authorizing the president 
to provide such a force, and to despatch it im- 
mediately to the protection of our persecuted 
seamen. 

The president had mentioned the subject of piracy, in his 
first message ; but he was prompted early after to make it the 
subject of a special comirrunication, in consequence of intelli- 
gence that captain Allen, of the Alligator, a brave and merito- 
rious officer, had fallen in the neighbourhood of Matanzas, by 
the hands of these ruthless barbarians, while attempting, in dis- 
charge of his duty, to rescue an unprotected merchant ship, which 
Iiad fallen into their power, Inunediat«'ly after the passage of 
llie above bill. Commodore Porter was appointfd to this service, 
an i, sooii sifter, hoisting his broad pendant on board the Pea- 
cock, stretched his way, with a respectable force, to rha«tise 
these miscreants, that regard no law, and that feel no mercy. 

Section XXIII. The second session of the 
seventeenth Congress closed on the 3d of March, 
1823. Little business of national importance 
had been transacted. 

Section XXIV. On the 1st of December fol- 
lowing, being the day established by the consti- 
tution, the eighteenth Congress commenced its 
first session. In his message, at the opening of 
the session, the President spoke in animated 



382 PERIOD XI....1817....1822. 

terms of the prosperous condition of the country, 
and of the amicable state of our relations with- 
foreign countries. 

The message represented the public finances to be evetx 
more prosperous than had been anticipated ; that the state of 
the army, in its organization and discipline, had been grad~ 
ually improving for several years, and had attained a high 
degree of perfection ; that the proposed fortifications of the 
country were rapidly progressing to a state of completion, 
and that the military academy at West Point had already at- 
tained a high degree of perfection, both in its discipline and 
instruction. In relation to the efforts of the executive to 
stop the depredations of pirates on the national commerce, 
the President stated, that, in the West Indies, and the Gulf 
of Mexico, the naval force had been augmented, according 
to the provisions of Congrass. " This armament," said he, 
" has been eminently successful in the accomplishment of its 
object. The piracies, by which our commerce in the neigh- 
bourhood of the island of Cuba had been afflicted, have 
been repressed, and the confidence of the merchants in a 
great measure restored." 

In the present struggle of the Greeks for liberty, the 
Americans have felt a lively interest. In allusion to this 
interesting subject, the message contained the following lan- 
guage — language to which every American would cordially 
subscribe : — " A strong hope has been long entertained, found- 
ed on the heroic struggle of the Greeks, that they would 
succeed in their contest, and resume their equal station 
among the nations of the earth. It iis* believed that the whole 
civilized world takes a deep interest in their welfare. Al- 
though no power has declared in their favour, yet none, 
according to our information, has taken part against them. 
Their cause and their name have protected them from dan- 
gers, which might, ere this, have overwhelmed any other 
people. The ordinary calculations of interest, and of acqui- 
sition, with a view to aggrandizement, which mingle so much 
in the transactions of nations, seem to have had no effect in 
regard to them. From the facts which have come to our 
knowledge, there is good cause to believe that their enemy 
has lost, forever, all dominion over them — that Greece will 
again become an independent nation. That she may obtain 
that rank, is the object of our most ardent wishes." 

At the previous session of Congress, the President had 



ilONROES AD^IINISTRATION. 38<J 

'Communicated the important fact, in relation to Spain and 
Portugal, that a great effort was making in those countries to 
improve the condition of the people, and that it appeared to 
be conducted with unusual moderation. The result, how- 
ever, was widely difterent from what had been anticipated. 
Instead of an emancipation from their oppressions, their 
bondage, through the interference of foreign powers, had 
become doubly severe, and strong indications were perceived 
of an intention, on the part of the " Holy Alliance," to ex- 
tend their "political system" to Mexico and South Amer- 
ica. — But on this topick the executive observed, " the citizens 
of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in 
favour of the liberty and happiness of their fellow men on' 
that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European pow- 
ers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken 
any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do. It is 
only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced, that 
we resent injuries, or make preparation for our defence. — 
With the movements in this hemisphere, we are, of necessi- 
t)'^, more immediately connected, and by causes which must 
be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The 
political system of the allied powers is essentially different, 
in this respect, from that of America. This difference pro- 
ceeds from that which exists in their respective goA'eruments. 
And to the defence of our own, which has been achieved by 
the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the 
wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which 
we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is 
devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candour, and to the ami 
cable relations existing between the United States and thos. 
powers, to declare, that we should consider any attempt, on 
their part, to extend their system to any portion of this hem- 
isphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety. With existing 
colonies or dependencies of any European power, Ave have 
not interfered, and shall not interfere. But with the gov- 
ernments who have declared their independence and main- 
tained it, and whose independence we have, on great con- 
sideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could 
not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, 
or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any 
European power, in any other light than as the manifestation 
of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States. In 
the war between those new governments and Spain, we 
declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and 



384 PERIOD XI....1S17....1822. 

to this we have adherec, and shall continue to adhere, pro- 
vided no change shall occur, which, in the judgment of the 
competent authority of this government, shall make a corre- 
sponding change on the part of the United States indispensa- 
ble to their security. 

" The late events in Spain and Portugal shew that Europe 
is still unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof 
can be adduced than that the allied powers should have 
thought it proper, on any principles satisfactory to themselves, 
to have interposed, by force, in the internal concerns of Spain. 
To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the 
same principle, is a question in which all independent powers, 
whose governments differ from theirs, are interested ; even 
those most remote, and surely none more so than the United 
States. Our policy, in regard to Europe, which was adopted 
at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated 
that quarter of the globe, nevertheless, remains the same ; 
which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of 
its powers ; to consider the government de facto as the le- 
gitimate government for us ; to cultivat'^ friendly relations 
with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and 
manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every 
power, submitting to injuries from none. But, in regard to 
these continents, circumstances are eminently and conspicu- 
ously different. It is impossible that the allied powers should 
extend their political system to any portion of either conti- 
nent without endangering our peace and happiness ; nor can. 
any one believe that our southern brethren, if left to them- 
selves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally im- 
possible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition, 
in any form, with indifference. If we look to the compara- 
tive strength and resources of Spain and those new govern- 
ments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious 
that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy 
of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the 
hope that other powers will pursue the same course." 

This language, so just, so patriotic, so independent, it 
scarcely needs be added, received the approbation of the 
whole American people, and called forth the warmest eulogi- 
um of the friends of rational liberty in Europe. The indepen 
dent stand, thus taken by the American nation, has, thus far, 
had the effect upon the nations in question, to repress those 
aggressions upoH our southern brethren, which, there is too 
much evidence not to believe, were designed. 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 385 

On the present state of the country, the President held the 
following strong and eloquent language : " If we compare the 
present condition of our union with its actual state at the 
close of our revolution, the history of the world furnishes no 
example of a progress in improvement, in all the important 
circumstances which constitute the happiness of a nation, 
which bears any resemblance to it. At the first epoch, our 
population did not exceed three millions. By the last census, 
it amounted to about ten millions, and, what is more extra- 
ordinary, it is almost altogether native ; for the emigratiou 
from other countries has been inconsiderable. At the first 
epoch, half the territory within our acknowledged limits was 
uninhabited and a wilderness. Since then new territory has 
been acquired, of vast extent, comprising within it many riv 
ers, particularly the Mississippi, the navigation of which to 
the ocean was of the highest importance to the original states. 
Over this territory our population has expanded in every di- 
rection, and new states have been established, almost equal, 
in number, to those which formed the first bond of our union. 
This expansion of our population and accession of new states 
to our union, have had the happiest effect on all its higher 
interests. That it has eminently augmented our resources, 
and added to our strength and respectability, as a power, is 
admitted by all. But it is not in these important circumstan- 
ces only, that this happy effect is felt. It is manifest, that, by 
enlarging the basis of our system, and increasing the number 
of states, the system itself has been greatly strengthened in 
both its branches. Consolidation and disunion have there- 
by been rendered equally impracticable. Each government, 
confiding in its own strength, has less to apprehend from the 
other ; and, in consequence, each enjoying a greater freedom 
of action, is rendered more efficient for all the purposes for 
which it was instituted." 

Section XXV. In his message to Congress, ut 
the opening of the session, the President, having 
alluded to the struggle of the Greeks for liberty, 
and having expressed, as the organ of public sen- 
timent, the sympathy of the nation in their behalf, 
a resolution was presented to the House of Rep- 
resentatives, by a member, providing for the ex- 
penses incident to the appointment of an Agent, 



98& PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

or Commissioner to Greece, whenever the Pres- 
ident should deem such appointment expedient. 
Although Congress did not deem it expedient to 
adopt the resolution, it being indefinitely post- 
poned, it served to call forth the warmest expres- 
sions of regard, on the floor of Congress, for that 
oppressed people, and to elicit the attachment of 
the country to the principles of rational liberty. 

" In offering the resolution, Mr. Webster stated, it was far 
from being his wish, in any manner, to commit the House, in 
this or any of the political contests of Europe ; but the Pres- 
ident of the United States having, in his message to Congress, 
not only expressed a belief that the Greek nation, in its present 
struggle with its opposers, had the good wishes of the whole 
civilized world, but also advanced the opinion that the Turk- 
ish dominion over that country was lost forever ; he thought 
that, if such were the fact, it was important that Congress 
should act upon the subject. The main object in view was 
to obtain from this House an expression responsive to the 
sentiment of the message, in reference to the sacrifices and 
sufferings of that heroic people — sacrifices and sufferings, 
which ought to excite the sympathy of every liberal minded 
man in Europe as well as in this country. But, whatever 
might be the case with other nations, we certainly ought not 
to be restrained from expressing, with freedom, what are our 
views in relation to the Greek cause, so far as may be done 
without committing ourselves in the contest. And he really 
did hope that we should sjiew to the world, that there is, at 
least, one government whfch does entertain a proper view of 
that barbarous despotism, which, under the eyes of Europe,, 
has been permitted, by a system of the foulest atrocity, to 
attempt to crush an interesting christian nation. 

"In most of our large towns and Literary Institutions, 
meetings were held in reference to this subject, and resolutions 
adopted, expressive of sentiments alike honourable to our cit- 
izens as members of a free community, and as friends of 
humanity. They spoke a language worthy of the cause which 
called them forth, and such as the circumstances of the age 
require. They are a proof, too, of the existence and the 
energy of that principle in the American people, which re- 
moves them farther from the supporters of legitimacy than 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 387 

the breadth of the Atlantic, and is a safer bulwark than itf 
billows." 

To this it may be added that, at a subsequent period, large 
contributions were made throughout the country, and forward- 
ed to the constituted authorities of Greece, to aid them in 
achieving the liberties of that interesting people. 

Section XXVI. On the 27th of May, 1824, 
the eighteenth Congress closed its first session. 
Among the most important bills which were pass- 
ed was one for abolishing imprisonment for debt ; 
and a second establishing a tariff of duties on 
imports into the country. 

Each of these bills caused much debate in the national 
legislature, and excited no small solicitude among those clas- 
ses of citizens, whose interests were likely to be most affect- 
ed by them. The bill for abolishing imprisonment for debt 
was necessarily qualified and guarded, giving no immunity 
to fraud, and containing the requisite checks to shield its 
benefits from abuse. The bill for a revision of the Tariff 
occupied the House of Representatives for ten weeks, and 
was at length passed only by a majority of five. On the oc- 
casion of its final decision, only two members, out of two 
hundred and thirteen, were absent. 

Section XXVII. In the course of the summer 
an event occurred, which caused the highest 
sensations of joy throughout the union; this 
was the arrival of the Marquis de La Fayette, 
the friend and ally of the Americans during 
the former war with Great Britain, and who em- 
inently contributed, by his fortune, influence, 
skill, and bravery, to achieve the glorious objects 
of their revolutionary struggle. 

Sometime previously to his arrival, the Marquis had expres- 
sed his intention of again visiting the United States. — This 
being known, Jan. 7th, 1824, Congress authorized the Pres- 
ident "to offer him a public ship for his accommodation, and 
to assure him, in the name of the people of this great 
Republic, that they cherished for him a grateful and affection- 
ate attachment." In the following June, the Legislature of 



388 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

Massachusetts authorized the governor of that Commonwealth 
to make such arrangements for the honourable reception of 
the Marquis as comported with the dignity of the State. In 
other parts of the country, eariy measures were adopted to 
receive with honour the man v, o had acted so disinterested 
a part towards the United States, and whose life had been 
devoted to the cause of rational liberty. 

The delicacy of the Marquis prevented his accepting th© 
invitation of Government to take passage in a public ship ; 
but he soon after embarked on board a private vessel. 

The time of his embarkation being known, the prayers of 
millions were offered for hiS safety from the dangers of the 
ocean. At length intelligence of his arrival was announced, 
and was received by every proper demonstration of joy. 

He landed at Nevv York, on the 16th of August, accompa- 
nied by his son and M. L. Vasseur, his secretary, and was 
welcomed by thousands to the land where, more than forty 
years before, he had displayed a disinterestedness, a benevo- 
lence, a heroism, nearly unparalleled in the annals of time. 

"From New York, La Fayette passed through the country 
to Boston, constantly receiving the most enthusiastic congrat- 
ulations of the people. Not only at every place where he 
stopped, but as he passed along the road, thousands came to 
catch a glimpse of him, and bid "Welcome, La Fayette." 
Having visited most of the principal towns in Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, he return- 
ed again to New York. During this tour, it is impossible to 
convey in general terms an adequate idea of the excitement 
into which the country was thrown. Committees were con- 
stantly arriving from distant towns at the places where he 
stopped, to solicit the honour of receiving him, and to know 
on what day and at what hour his arrival might be expected. 
In some instances, gentlemen, residing at a distance from his 
route, directed the news of his approach to be sent them by 
expresses. Meantime the General was so obliging as to allow 
himself to be transported with the utmost rapidity from place 
to place, often travelling most of the night, so as not to disap- 
point the anxious expectations of the people. From New 
York the General went to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wash- 
ington, &c., constantly receiving from the people the same 
cordial welcome, and witnessing the same demonstrations of 
joy, wherever he went. 

But the feelings of the nation demanded that something 
more should be done for General La Fayette than could be 



MONROES ADMINISTRATION. 

e^ressed by acclamation alone. This love of liberty had 
been the means of depriving him of a great proportion o{ his 
fortune. When, during our revolution, the country was so 
exhausted as to be unable to clothe or feed her little army, La 
Fayette not only gave all his pay to government, but advan- 
ced money which never was refunded ; so that, in addition 
to the debt of gratitude, the nation owed him for advancements 
made during her necessities. It was the exercise of the same 
leading principle, (the love of liberty,) which occasioned the 
confiscation of his estates in France, when the jacobin faction 
controlled the kingdom. 

Under every consideration, the nation was bound to shew 
La Fayette, and the world, that, in the prosperity of his adop- 
ted country, his former services were remembered with too 
much gratitude to be passed over without some permanent 
mark of national beneficence. 

The President of the United States, therefore, in his mes- 
sage to Congress, at the opening of the last session, recom- 
mended, in appropriate terms, the consideration of General 
La Fayette's eminent services to the country, and requested 
that the legislative body of the nation would devise some 
means of making him at least a partial remuneration. — 
Agreeably to this recommendation. Congress appointed a 
committee to deliberate on the subject, and, on the 20th of 
December, "Mr. Hayne, from the committee appointed on 
so much of the President's message as relates to making pro- 
vision for the services of General La Fayette, reported tht; 
following bill : — 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the United States in Congress assembled, That the sum of 
two hundred thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby 
granted to Major General La Fayette, in compensation for 
his important services and expenditures during the American 
Revolution ; and that for this purpose a stock to that amount 
be issued in his favour, dated the 4th of July, 1824, bearing 
an annual interest of six per cent, payable quarter yearly, and 
redeemable on the 31st of December, 1834. 

" Sect. 2. Aiid be it further enacted, that one complete 
Township of land be, and the same is hereby granted to the 
said Major General La Fayette ; and that the President of 
the United States be authorized to cause the said township 
to be located on any of the public lands which remain unsold ; 
and that patents be issued to General La Fayette for tht 



lame." 



S3' 



390 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

. On the 21st this bill was made the order of the day in the 
Senate, and the following debate on it, extracted from the 
journals of Congress, will tend to shew with how much rea- 
son the bill was passed : 

Senate, Tuesday, December 21. 

** The Senate proceeded, as in committee of the whole, 
to the consideration of the bill making provision for the ser- 
vices and expenditures of General La Fayette. 

Mr. Hayne, (of S. C.) in reply to Messrs. Macon and 
Brown, who objected to the bill, remarked, that the obser- 
vations made by the honourable gentlemen rendered it his 
duty, though it was done with regret, as he had hoped the 
bill would pass without opposition, as chairman of the com- 
mittee, to submit the principles on which the committee had 
proceeded in presenting the present bill. He trusted that 
he should be able to satisfy the scruples of the Hon. gentle- 
men, and that there would be no necessity of recommitting 
the bill. 

With regard to the objections made by his friend on his 
right, (Mr. Macon,) they affected the making any compen- 
sation, under any circumstances whatever, to individuals, 
either for services rendered, or sacrifices made. He under- 
stood he had said, it was immaterial whether an individual 
should have spent his substance in the service of his coun- 
try — should have put his hand in his purse and paid the ex- 
penses of the war, still that for such services no compensa- 
tion could be made. 

He could show that this was the fact — that it was precise- 
ly the case with regard to General La Fayette. He had 
expended his fortune in our service, and he should contend 
it was right, it was necessary — they were called on, by duty 
to themselves, at least to refund the expenses to which he 
had been subjected. Mr. Hayne proceeded to say, that he 
held documents in his hand which it became his duty to 
submit to the Senate — documents derived from the highest 
authority. The paper he held in his hand contained ac- 
counts from the proper officers, shewing the expenses of La 
Fayette, and pointing out the manner in which his estate 
had been dissipated in the service of liberty. In the year 
1777, he had an annual income of 146,000 francs, equal to 
28,700 dollars. This had been almost entirely expended in 
the services which he had rendered to liberty, in this and 
the other hemisphere. During a period of six years, from 



MONROES ADMINISTRATION. 391 

the year 1777 to 1783, he had expended, in the American 
service, 700,000 francs, equal to 140,000 dollars. This doc- 
ument, said Mr. Hayne, is derived from the most authentic 
sources in France, and has come into my hands from a 
respectable member of this House, without the knowledge 
or consent of the General and his friends. 

The fact to which he called their attention was, that, dur- 
ing the six years the General had been engaged in the ser- 
vice, he had expended 140,000 dollars of his fortune ; he 
was in a state of prosperity, and in the enjoyment of a plen- 
tiful fortune in his own country, when he resolved to come 
to this. He purchased a ship, raised, equipped, armed and 
clothed a regiment at his own expense, and, when he landed 
on these coasts, he came freighted with the munitions of 
war, which he distributed gratuitously to our army. It is 
on record that he clothed and put shoes on the feet of the 
naked, suffering soldiers of America, and that, during six 
years, he sacrificed 140,000 dollars. He asked for no com- 
pensation — he made out no account — he received no pay — 
he spent his fortune for this country, and not only gave his 
services, but hazarded his life in its defence, shed his blood 
in its service, and returned home broken in his fortune. 
What did Government do .'' After the war, in 1794, they 
gave him the full pay of a Major General, to which he was 
entitled twelve or fourteen years before. If any American 
citizen had done as much, and had brought in an account 
stating he had expended 140,000 dollars, and made applica- 
tion for compensation, would it not have been granted .- 
Indeed, if we were to make out an account current of the 
expenses and sacrifices of the General, it would far exceed 
the sum now proposed. But he never rendered a claim . 
he would have starved ere he would have done it. 

I have other documents, said Mr. Hayne, to which I shall 
briefly refer. There is one fact which shews how alive he 
was to every honourable sentiment. He has made sacrifices 
that can never be repaid. Congress, in their gratitude, made 
him a donation of 11,000 acres of land, which, at the value 
of lands at this time, was not worth more than 11,000 dol- 
lars ; and by an act in 1804, they authorized him to locate 
this land on any spot in the United States, that might be va- 
cant : and his agent accordingly located it in the neighbour- 
hood of New Orleans. In 1807, Congress passed an act, 
confirming the title to the city council of New Orleans of all 
lands within six hundred yards of its limits. 



392 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

Part of the land belonging to General La Fayette was in- 
cluded in this grant, and on the fact being communicated to 
him in France by his agent, accompanied by legal advice of 
the validity of his title, he replied, that it was not for him to 
inquire into the circumstances, but that he, receiving bounty 
from the government of the United States, could only receive 
it as they chose to give it ; and directed his agent to enter a 
relinquishment of the land in question. This land, accord- 
ing to the estimate of gentlemen from Louisiana, is now worth 
500,000 dollars. But there is another circumstance to be 
stated : having located the land, he made a contract with an 
Irish Baronet for the sale of a portion of it, and he afterwards 
made it his business to find him out — he relinquished his own 
right, and, at his own expense, induced him to relinquish 
every legal claim that he could have upon the United States. 
This relinquishment was on file in the land office, and Mr. 
Hayne submitted the documents to the examination of the 
Senate. 

These claims appear certainly in a very strong, and he 
might say, irresistible shape before the Senate. His honour- 
able friend, on the right, had said that we treat this gentle- 
man better than we do our native sons ; but it appeared that 
they barely did him justice. Did the gentleman doubt that 
this government were in the habit of making remuneration 
for sacrifices and services — he would refer to an act passed 
in 1790, granting compensation to Frederick William Baron 
Steuben, for sacrifices and services. 

Mr. Hayne proceeded to refer to many instances where 
the government had not only granted pecuniary assistance, 
but had granted a whole township of land for sacrifices and 
services. He was not one of those who were afraid of mak- 
ing precedents — a good precedent can never do evil ; and 
when nations, as well as individuals, gave way to the no- 
blest feelings of our nature, they best promoted the glory 
of the country and the welfare of the people ; but the case 
•f La Fayette could form no precedent — it stood alone. 
Could this country be born again — could it assume a second 
childhood, and be placed in circumstances similar to those in 
which it had formerly been ? If this were possible, if it could 
be reduced again to equal distress, be struggling for existence, 
about to perish, without funds, arms, clothing, or ammuni- 
tion, and looking around for help — if, under such circum- 
stances, a foreign nobleman should step forth and devote his 
life and fortune to her service, sacrificing every thing, and 



MONROES ADMINISTRATION. 393 

shedding his blood in her behalf, and, while the scale was 
depressed, throwing himself into the balance, and deciding 
its fate — surely, such a man would be entitled to the warm- 
est gratitude of the country."* 

After some further debate, the bill was passed, and a com- 
mittee appointed to wait on La Fayette with a copy of the 
act. To an address to the committee on the occasion of pre- 
s«'nting the act, the Marquis returned the following answer 

Gentlemen of the Committee of both Houses of Congress : 

The immense and unexpected gift, which, in addition to 
former and considerable bounties, it has pleased Congress to 
confer upon me, calls for the warmest acknowledgments of 
an old American Soldier, an adopted son of the United 
States, two titles dearer to my heart than all the treasures in 
(he world. 

However proud I am of every sort of obligation received 
from the people of the United States, and their Representa- 
tives in Congress, the large extent of this benefaction might 
have created in my mind feelings of hesitation, not inconsist- 
ent, I hope, with those of the most grateful reverence. But 
the so very kind resolutions of both Houses, delivered by 
you, gentlemen, in terms of equal kindness, preclude all 
other sentiments except those of the lively and profound 
gratitude of which, in respectfully accepting the munificent 
favour, I have the honour to beg you will be the organs. 

Permit me also, gentlemen, to join a tender of my affec- 
tionate personal thanks to the expression of the highest re- 
spect, with which I have the honour to be your obedient 
servant, LA FAYETTE. 

The visit of Fayette to the United States occupied about 
a year ; during which he visited each of the 24 states, 
and was every where hailed as a father. When the time 
arrived which he had fixed as the termination of his visit, it 
was thought most fitting that his departure from the country 
should take place from the capital. A frigate was prepared 
at that place, and named, in compliment to him, the Brandy- 
wine, to transport him to his native country. The few 
weeks spent upon the invitation of the President, as the 
guest of the nation, in the national palace, were appropriated 



• Memoirs of La Fayette. 



394 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

to taking leave of those venerable men who had shared with 
him both in establishing the independence of the country 
and in receiving all the appropriate honours which the peo- 
ple could bestow. He had previously visited and taken leave 
of the venerable Adams; he now, in succession, took leave 
of the other Ex-Presidents; the illustrious author of the 
declaration of independence ; the able supporter and advo- 
cate of the federal constitution ; and the soldier of the revo- 
lution who had shed his blood in the same cause with La 
Fayette. 

These preliminary visits being paid, he now prepared for 
his departure. The 7th of September, which was the day 
appointed for that purpose, the civil authorities of the district 
of Columbia assembled at the President's house to take leave 
of him. About noon he entered the great hall, where he 
was addressed, by the President, in terms manly, patriotic, 
and affectionate. In a similar manner Fayette replied, 
concluding as follows : " God bless you, sir, and all who 
•surround us. God bless the American people, each of their 
states, and the federal government. Accept this patriotic 
farewell of an overflowing heart ; such will be its last throb 
when it ceases to beat" 

Then, taking an affectionate leave of each individual pres- 
ent, the general left tlie hospitable mansion of the President. 
He was attended to the vessel by the whole population of the 
district. All business was suspended, and the vast multitude, 
which lined the shores, witnessed his embarkation with a 
deep silence, highly indicative of the feelings that the Ame- 
rican people cherished towards La Fayette. In passii^ 
Mount Vernon, he landed to pay a farewell visit to the tomb 
of Washington, whence, re-embarking, a prosperous voyage 
soon safely landed him ou his own paternal soil.* 

Section XXVIII. The second session of the 
eighteenth Congress began on the 6th of Decem- 
ber, 1824; on which occasion, the President 
represented the country to be highly prosperous 
and happy, both in respect to its internal condi- 
tion and foreign relations. 



Annual Register. 



MONilOE'S ADMINISTRATION. 395 

" Our relations," said he, " with foreign powers are of a 
friendly character, although certain interesting differences 
remain unsettled. Our revenue, under the mild system of 
impost and tonnage, continues to be adequate to all the pur- 
poses of government. Our agriculture, commerce, manu- 
factures and navigation flourish. Our fortifications are ad- 
vancing, in the degree authorized by existing appropria- 
tions, to maturity, and due progress is made in the augment- 
ation of the navy to the limit prescribed by law." 

The President also stated that the convention of naviga- 
tion and commerce concluded between the United States 
and France in 1822 still continued ; — that our commercial 
intercourse with the British dominions in Europe and the 
East Indies, resting on the basis of reciprocity, which had 
been arranged by a convention in 1815, was confirmed and 
continued for ten years, by treaty in 1818 ; but that the trade 
with the British colonies in the West Indies had not as yet 
been settled to the satisfaction of the executive ; — that our 
commerce with Sweden had been placed on a footing of per- 
fect reciprocity, by treaty, and with Russia, the Nether- 
lands, Prussia, and the free Hanseatic cities, the dukedom of 
Oldenburg and Sardinia, by internal regulations on each side, 
founded on mutual agreement between the respective gov- 
ernments ; and that the great and extraordinary changes 
which had happened in Spain and Portugal, within the last 
two years, had not seriously affected the friendly relations 
subsisting between them and the United States ; although 
they had presented obstacles to the adjustment of the particu- 
lar subjects of discussion which have arisen with each. With 
the remaining powers of Europe, with those on the coast of 
Barbary, and with all the new South American States, our 
relations were moreover stated to be of a friendly character. 
The country has ministers plenipotentiary residing with the 
republics of Colombia and Chili, and have received ministers 
of the same rank from Colombia, Guatimala, Buenos Ayres 
and Mexico, and a charge d'affaires from the independent 
government of Brazil. 

In relation to the state of the maritime force of the coun- 
try, the message represented the squadron in the Mediter- 
ranean to have been maintained, and to have afforded to our 
commerce the necessary protection in that sea ; that the 
force in the Gulf of Mexico, and the neighbouring seas, 
for the suppression of piracy, had also been continued ; but 
that such were the atrocities of the pirates in that quarter, it 



596 PERIOD XI....1817..,.1825. 

is- 

was important to increase, rather than to diminish, our force. 
On the Pacific onr commerce has much increased, and on 
that coast, as well as on that sea, the United States have 
many important stations, which require attention and pro- 
tection. 

" From the view above presented," the President contin- 
ued, " it is manifest that the situation of the United States 
is, in the highest degree, prosperous and happy. There is 
no object which, as a people, we can desire, which we do 
not possess, or which is not within our reach. Blessed with 
governments the happiest which the world ever knew, with 
no distinct orders in society, or divided interests in any por- 
tion of the vast territory over which their dominion extends, 
we have every motive to cling together, which can animate 
a virtuous and enlightened people. The great object is to 
preserve these blessings, and to hand them down to our latest 
posterity. Our experience ought to satisfy us that our pro- 
gress, under the most correct and provident policy, will not 
be exempt from danger. Our institutions form an important 
epoch in the history of the civilized world. On their preser- 
vation, and in their utmost purity, every thing will depend. 
Extending as our interests do to every part of the inhabited 
globe, and to every sea, to which our citizens are carried by 
their industry and enterprise, to which they are invited by 
the wants of others, and have a right to go, we must either 
protect them in the enjoyment of their rights, or abandon 
them, in certain events, to waste and desolation. Our atti- 
tude is highly interesting, as relates to other powers, and 
particularly to our southern neighbours. We have duties to 
perform, with respect to all, to which we must be faithful. 
To every kind of danger we should pay the most vigilant 
and unceasing attention ; remove the cause where it may be 
practicable, and be prepared to meet it when inevitable." 

Section XXIX. The second session of the 
eighteenth Congress closed on the 3d of March, 
1825, being limited by the constitution to that 
period. — Among the most interesting subjects 
which occupied its attention during the session, 
were the occupation of the Oregon on the North 
West coast, and the suppression of Piracy. The 
bill respecting the former, however, was lost in 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 397 

the senate ; being indefinitely laid on the table ; 
while that respecting Piracy passed ; which, how- 
ever, does little more than to authorize the build- 
ing of ten additional ships of war. 

The bill authorizing the occupation of the Oregon was 
passed by the House of Representatives, but had previously 
been so amended as to provide only for a military occupation 
of the mouth of the river. This amendment was adopted, 
for the purpose of avoiding a violation of the treaty with 
Great Britain, which provides that the boundary line on that 
frontier shall remain unsettled ten years. 

On the subject of Piracy, the President, in a message to 
the Senate, suggested three expedients ; one, by the pursuit 
of tne offenders to the settled, as well as unsettled, parts of 
the island from whence they issue ; another, by reprisal on 
the inhabitants ; and a third by a blockade of the ports of 
those islands. These suggestions gave rise to a bill in the 
Senate, which embraced the several expedients proposed in 
the message, and which, for some weeks, was a prominent 
topic of debate. The opposers of the bill contended that it 
introduces a »^.m; principle into the rights of nations, and 
that a resort to the measure proposed by it would be in effect 
a declaration of war with Spain. This objection was an- 
ticipated by the President, and obviated by him, on the 
ground that the Spanish authorities are utterly incapable 
of suppressing the practice in question. The discussion of 
the subject has led to a disclosure of facts, which, in respect 
to its atrocities and the numbers concerned in it, exceed even 
conjecture, and which have forced conviction upon all, that 
something, and something efficient, must speedily be done. 

Section XXX. The administration of Mi 
Monroe closed on the 3d of March. During hii. 
presidency the country has enjoyed a uniform 
state of peace and prosperity. By his prudent 
management of the national affairs, both foreign 
and domestic, he has eminently contributed to 
the honour and happiness of millions, and has 
retired from office, enjoying the respect, and 
affection, and gratitude of all who are able duly 

34 



398 PERIOD XI....1817....1S25. 

to appreciate the blessings of having a wise 
ruler. 

Section XXXI. The electors of a successor to 
Mr. Monroe having failed to make a choice, the 
election devolved on the House of Representa- 
tives. On the 9th of February, 1825, that body 
proceeded to the discharge of this duty, when 
John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, was 
elected President of the United States, for the 
four years from and after the 4th of the ensuing 
March. John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 
had been chosen Vice-President, by the electoral 
colleges. 

The subject of a successor to Mr. Monroe was very early 
after his entering upon his second term of office introduced 
to the notice of the public, since which time until the late 
determination of the question on the floor of Congress, the 
newspapers and public journals of the country have been dis- 
gracefully loud and clamorous. Besides Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Clay, Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, and Gen. Jackson, a Senator, 
were candidates for the office ; each of whom had their re- 
spective friends in the country, and among the Legislatures 
of the States, nearly all of which by a public vote declared 
in favour of some one of the candidates. On counting the 
votes of the; electors, it appeared that 84 were in favour of 
Mr. Adams, 99 for Gen. Jackson, 41 for Mr. Crawford, 
and 37 for Mr. Clay. Notwithstanding Gen. Jackson had 
the greatest number of votes from the electoral colleges, the 
House of Representatives, voting by States, elected Mr. Ad- 
ams. The result of the balloting was, for Mr. Adaras, 13 
States ; for Mr. Jackson, 7 States ; for Mr. Crawford, 4 States. 
By the constitution only the three highest on the list could 
be candidates for the office in the House of Representatives. 
Mr. Clay therefore was not voted for ; but is supposed by his 
influence to have determined the question in favour of Mr. 
Adams, in opposition to Mr. Crawford, who had been nom- 
inated by a caucus at Washington ; and to Gen. JacksoD, who 
had received the highest vote by the electors. 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 399 

Section XXXII. ^antittn^ Two centu- 
ries have elapsed since the first settlements were 
commenced in the United States by Europeans, 
yet the people have not acquired that uniform 
character, which belongs to ancient nations, 
upon whom time and the stability of institution^ 
have imprinted a particular and individual char- 
acter. Although partial changes have occurred, 
which have been noticed in the progress of this 
work, yet, so far down as the present time, the 
essential variations, which have taken place, are 
few. The general physiognomy is nearly as va- 
ried as the origin of the population is different. 

A marked distinction undoubtedly exists between the inhab- 
itants of the commerciiil and maritime towns and the villages 
of the country. The former, in a more considerable degree, as 
to luxury and vice, resemble the great towns of Europe. Those 
of the country, who lead an agricultural life, preserve much of 
the simplicity, with something of the roughness, of former days ; 
but they enjoy all that happiness which proceeds from the ex- 
ercise of the social virtues in their primitive purity. Their af- 
fections are constant ; felicity crowns the conjugal union ; pa- 
rental authority is sacred ; infidelity on the part of the wife is 
almost unknown; crime is rare, mendicity and theft uncommon. 

The people generally are enterprising, industrious, persever- ' 
ing, and submissive to governmen|j They are also intelligent, 
brave, active, and benevolent, and possess a strength and agil- 
ity of body, which are seldom united in so great a degree. 
With somewhat of the appearance of apathy, and under s, 
sober exterior, strong feelings, and a capacity for the most 
lively sallies, are concealed. As the benefits of education 
are extensively diffused, the ingenuity and intelligence of 
the people have been displayed to advantage, if not in the 
higher walks of literature, yet in the useful branches of 
knowledge, and in the arts which multiply the comforts of life, 

From the perfect freedom and equality which are possessedj 
and the interest taken in political discussions, a tendency to dis- 
«)luteness in our manners is undoubtedly to be perceived,- 



iOO- PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

but the barrier created by education will, it is hoped, keep In 
check the unwelcome tide. In the amusements of the people, 
there are evidently some changes for the better, indicating more 
correct ideas both of humanity and taste. Upon the whole, the 
manners of the people of the United States, espeoially among 
the more cultivated classes, are, probably, a medium, between 
an honest bluntness, on the one hand, and a sickly delicacy, on 
the other, or between a low and the highest degree «if refinement. 
The latter, indeed, is not to be expected in a country where there 
is no court, and no hereditary nobilit}', whose leisure and incli- 
nation might lead them to substitute the affected ami burdensome 
politeness of courtiers, for the present manly ense of freemen. 

Section XXXllh MtliQU^tl* The principal 
religious denominations, at present, in the Unit- 
ed States, are Presbyterians, and Congregation- 
alists. Baptists, Friends, Episcopalians, and 
Methodists. The two first of these, unitedly, 
have more than twenty-five hundred congrega- 
tions ; the number of Baptist congregations ex- 
ceeds two thousand ; the Friertds have five hun- 
dred, and the Episcopahans about three hun- 
dred. The Methodists also are numerous. 

For the effectual employment of those who wish to be en 
gaged in the christian ministry and in missions, peculiar ficili- 
ties have been devised ; and the plans of benevolence, mention- 
ed under the last period, have been continued and greatly aug- 
mented. The American Board of Commissioners for foreign 
Missions, the American Bible Society, the American Education 
Society, together with a Society for the colonization of free blacks 
in Africa, have risen in respectability and resources. Missionaries 
in considerable numbers are sent, not only into vacant and desti- 
tute parts of our own country, to the South and West, and among 
the Indians ; but also to Southern Asia, to Palestine, and to the 
Islands of the Pacifick Ocean. 

It is not to be disguised that much irreligion and vice, and 
some opposition to the above named objects prevails, and that 
a spirit of infidelity exists, though in a form more concealed 
than formerly, and under more decent names. Nor does it be- 
come us to deny, that in a time of so much religious action and 
religious news, by which attention is occupied, there is danger 
of a superficial acquaintance with the doctrines of the Bible, 
among the mass of professors. Yet, whatevei may be the dan- 
ger from this source, we are persuaded that such exertions, 



MONROES ADMINISTRATION. 4X)1 

and the interest taken in political discussions, a tendency to 
dissoluteness in our manners is undoiibtedly to be perceived; 
since they are altogether congenial with the precepts of the 
gospel, will in the end produce a vastly counterbalancing good. 
The exigencies of the church, and of the times, require precisely 
such a spirit of benevolent enterprise, to be increased, we trust 
with the growth of the nation. 

The attention, which is now paid to biblical learning, and to 8 
more systeraalick instruction in theology, by those who are to be-r 
come Christian teachers, forms an era in the history of religion, 
in this country. This will be a means, in due time, of counter- 
acting that tendency to religious dissipation, and to a superficial 
doctrinal knowledge, among professing christians, which have 
been mentioned. Indeed, the good consequences of such pre* 
paratory studies begin to be felt in other respects, at least ; and 
the call for a learned and efficient, as well as a pious ministry is 
doubly increasing. Morality, which is a component part of re- 
ligion, has taken deep root, and the increased means of christian 
instruction just noticed, and forms a striking contrast to the eA 
fects, which proceed from a dearth of the spirit and of the word 
of God, in less favoured parts of the coi'"«'y. It is worthy of 
notice, also, that some vigorous attempts have been made, by 
means of the association of individuals, in various places, to pre- 
vent the progress of vice, and, of course, to promote the interests 
of christian virtue. Intemperance, which is the most alarming 
symptom of the times, has, by this means, received a partial, 
though, it must be confessed, inadequate restraint. 

iSrccf^ow XXXIV. rvatreantr mtommtvtt^ 

The commerce of the United States consists,, 
principally, in the exchange of agricultural pro- 
duce for the manufactures of other parts of the 
world, and the productions of the tropical cli'- 
mates. The principal articles of domestic pro^ 
duce, exported, are cotton, wheat flour, biscuit, 
tobacco, lumber, rice, pot and pearl ashes, In- 
dian corn, and meal, dried and pickled fish, bee^ 
rye, pork, &c. 
Of these, cotton* is the most considerable article, and has 5n- 



* The greater attention to the cultivation of cotton is to be ascribed to the 
invention of a machine for cleaning upland cotton, from its seeda. For 
this machine we are indebted to Mr Whitney, of New HaveDj Conneo- 

34* 



402- PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

creased, regularly, from one hundred thousand pounds, the 
amount exported in I7i^, to more than eighty-five millions of 
pounds, exported in 1817. It now constitutes one third of the 
whole value of our exports, or about twenty millions of dollars. 
Next to cotton, wheat, flour, and biscuit, are exported in the 
ijreatpst quantities. — Tobacco and rice are on the decline, the 
attention of planters being directed to the more profitable culti- 
vation of cotton. 

Of these exports, New-England and New- York are the great 
carriers. To them belong nearly two thirds of all the shipping 
of the United States. The states south of the Potomac own 
only one eighth part. Our staple articles are principally the 
growth of the southern states, and are carried coast wise, from 
the southern to the middle states, whence they are sent to fo- 
reign countries, almost entirely, in ships owned by northern 
merchants, and navijrated by northern seamen. In 1820, there 
were about seventy tho?isand persons, in the United States, en- 
gaged in commerce, of which thirteen thousand, or nearly one 
sixth, behmged to JNIassachusetts alone. Nearly half of the 
whole number belonged to the New-England States, and New- 
York. 

The exports from the United States are sent to various coun- 
tries, but the British dominions always receive the largest por- 
tion of OUT domestick produce, particularly cotton. The Spa- 
nish, Portuguese, and French dominions have usually received 
the most, next to the British. During the period in which the 
United States enjoyed the carrying trade, that is from 1796 to 
1807, when the wars, which succeeded the French revolution, 
existed, and during which the United States was the principal 
neutral power, the nations for which she carried embraced near- 
ly all Europe ; but those for which shp carried the most were 
the Dutch, French, and Spaniards. Since the return of peace, 
in 1815;, the nations of Europe have been chiefly their own car- 
riers. Of course, the foreign produce, exjjorted from this coun- 
try, has been small, compared with its amount from 1 802 to 
1812. In the year ending the .SOth of September 1822, the to- 
tal value of exports from the United States was seventy-two mil- 



ticut. Pefore the invention of this machine, it was so difficult to cleanse 
cotton, that the cultivation of it was extremely limited. It is now cultivated, 
to areat extent, in the states south of Virginia, and Kentucky. The wheat 
and four exported are raised, principally, in the middle and western states ; 
tobixcco in "^ laryland, Virginia, and North Carolina ; lumber is chiefly from 
the forests of Maine, New Hampshire, and the low countries of the Car- 
oHnas and Georgia. Rice is mostly raised in tiie Carolina?, Georgia, and 
Louisiana, &c. 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 4Q3 

lions, one hundred and sixty ihousann, two hiinilred and eighty- 
one dollars. Ol this suiii, but iiboiit twenty-two millions were 
foreign exports, ieaving nearly litty iniJiions lor domestick ex- 
ports. Almost hall ol the doiuestick exports were sent to Eng- 
land, icotlanct, and Ireland. During the same year, the total 
vame of imports was eigiiiy-threeuiiliions, two hundred and for- 
ty-one thousand, hve hundred and iurty-oae QoUars, of wliich 
thirty-two millions were from E^nglanu alone. 

The goods received, in return for exports, are, generally, 
the manufactures ol those countries to which the exports are 
carried, i rom Great Britain are imported vast quantities of 
woollen and cotton goods, and mauulactures of iron, steel, brass, 
copper, glass, earthen ware, silii, 6ic. from Uhiua we receive 
tea and silk ; from Russia iron and hemp. Cotlee comes Iroin 
the colonies of the European powers iu America, and the Last 
Indies ; sugar from the Last and VV est Indies ; rum from the 
British and JJanish West Indies. Wines are, principally, Irom 
France, Spain, Portugal, Madeira, and the Canary Isles, bran- 
dy from France, Spain, Italy, die. iNotwitiisianding the large 
amount of cotton, tobacco, lumber, &c. sent to Great Britain, 
yet the balance with tliat country is, and always has been agams* 
us. it is also against us in respect lo China, Kussia, Sweden, 
Denmark, and i ranee, because these countries, from which we 
import largely, have occasion lor very little of our surplus pro- 
duce. 

As to the tonnage of the Un-ted States, it may be observed, 
that it annually increased from 1790, at which time it was near- 
ly half a million, to the year 1810, when it arrived at its maxi- 
mum, and amounted to more than one million and four hundred 
thousand tons ; an amount far greater than that of any other 
nation in the world, except Great Britain. In 1619, the ton- 
nage employed in the coasting trade amounted to nearly six 
hundred thousand tons, having increased in thirty years more 
than hve foid. 

The tonnage employed in the fisheries has not progressed, 
with the same rapidity. During the revolutionary war, the 
fisheries were destroyed, and, for many years afterwards they 
did not regain their original importance. To encourage them, 
congress, in 1792, granted a bounty to the owners and seamen 
employed in the bank, or cod fisheries, and, in 1814, this bounty 
was considerably increased. During the late war, our fisher- 
men suffiered heavy losses, but, since the return of peace, they 
have resumed their occupations, and the fisheries are now in a 
more flourishing state than they have been at any period since 
the declaration of our independence. In 1818, there belonged 
ti) New Bedford and Nantucket seventy-two vessels, engaged in 



404 PERIOD XI....1817....1S25. 

the whale fishery, whose aggregate tonnage was about seventeen 
thousand tons. This number has since increased. Massachu- 
setts is the principal state concerned in this fishery. No state 
south of New- York ever owned a single vessel employed in the 
whale fishery. 

Nearly connected with commerce is the revtnue of the coun- 
try. This has almost entirely arisen, ever since the establish- 
ment of the present government, from duties paid on tonnage, 
and on foreign goods imported into the United States. Internal 
duties and direct taxes have, occasionally, been resorted to, as 
was the case during the administration of Mr. Adams, and du- 
ring the late war, but nipon these, the government ordinarily 
place no dependence. Several millions of dollars are annually 
received from the sale of publick lands, and the sum is yearly 
increasing. In 1 81 j, the revenue was much greater than it had 
been at any former period, owing to the immense importations 
of foreign goods into the country. It continued to decrease, 
however, until 1821, since which time it has been again slowly 
rising. It may now be estimated in ordinary years, at about 
twenty millions of dollars. 

It will not be foreign to this article to add as few remark 
upon the publick debt. Tiiis debt was contracted in sup- 
port of the war of independence. In 1791, it amounted to 
about seventy-five millions of dollars. From this date to the 
year 1812, owing to the great prosperity of the country, the 
debt was gradually diminished to about one half. But, on the 
recurrence of war, it again increased, and, in 1 8lC, amounted to 
one hundred and twenty-three millions. It has been since di- 
minishing, and, on the first of January, 1823, was about ninety 
millions of dollars. 

Section XXXV. it^VfCUlttltt* Until within 
a few years, agriculture, as a science, received 
but little attention, in the United States. Few, 
if any, valuable improvements were attempted. 
Indifference and uncommon apathy seem to have 
pervaded society. A new era, however, has re- 
cently commenced, and agriculture, both as a 
science and an art, is receiving much of tliat 
attention which its acknowledged importance 
demands. It is beginning to be regarded, as it 
should be, not only as the basis of subsistence 



MONROES ADMINISTRATION. 405 

and population, but a» the parept of individual 
and national opulence. 

Men of enlightened minds, and of distinguish 
ed wealth, are, in many parts of the country^ 
devoting themselves to the study of the art, and 
to new and useful experiments. Agricultural 
societies abound ; at the head of which may be 
seen some of the most scientifick and practical 
men, combining their powers in favour of agri- 
culture, fcr the collection and diffusion of in- 
formation, and for the excitement of industry 
and emulation. The exhibitions which annu- 
ally take place, in almost every county, of cattle, 
and of the productions of the soil, the learned 
and often eloquent addresses, which these exhi^ 
bitnms call forth, have a strong tendency to 
awaken the attention of our countrymen to a 
pursuit more favourable to health, virtue, and 
peace, than any other. 

The proportion of the inhabitants of the United States, devot- 
ed tu agricultural pursuits, is large. By the census of 1820, it 
appears, that this piopurtion is more than one fifth of the whole 
population, or two millions. This number includes only those 
who are thus eng&ged hy actual occupation, children and females 
generally being excluded. It embraces, therefore, about two 
thiras of all the males over ten years of age. The slave holding 
states are the most agricultural, the proportion being usually 
from one quarter to one third of the whole population, while ia 
the other states it generally falls below one Afth. 

Of the several states, New-York has the greatest number en- 
gaged in agriculture ; Virginia next ; and next to those states, 
Nortn Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvaftia, Kentucky, Ohio, 
Tennessee, and Georgia, in order. But the proportion of those 
devoted to agriculture, in the respective states, to their popula- 
tion, IS different. Louisiana has the greatest proportion, or about 
thi.ty-five per cent. ; South Carolina has thirty-two ; Georgia 
and Mississippi, each twenty-nine ; North Carolina twenty-se- 
ven ; while New- York has but eighteen, and Pennsylvania but 
thirteen per cent. No state in the unioa has so small a propor- 
tion as Massachusetts 



406 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

Section XXXVl. mtn UtOf J^atfttfac^ 
tUVt1$^ The manufacturing establishments in 
the United States are considerably various and 
numerous ; and though less prosperous than 
during the late war, are gradually rising from 
the depression which they experienced immedi- 
ately after the return of peace, in consequence 
of the excessive importations of foreign goods, 
which were then made. 

By the friends of these establishments vigorous efforts are 
making to induce congress to increase the duties on certain ar- 
ticles, now extensively imported, with reference to their being 
manufactured at home, and thereby giving more encouragement 
to those of our citizens who have invested their capital in esta- 
blishments of this kind. A strong opposition, however, to an 
Increase of the duties on foreign goods has appeared, particular- 
ly in the south, on the ground that to foster manufacturing esta- 
blishments, considerably beyond the encouragement given them 
by the existing tariff, must be at the expense of commerce, reve- 
nue, and general prosperity. What will be the issue of the above 
efforts, time only will disclose. 

The number of persons employed in manufactvures in the 
United States, as appeai-s by the census of 1 820, is three hun- 
dred and foity-nine thousand, two hundred and forty-seven. 
Rhode-Island has a greater proportion of population engaged m 
manufactures than any other state, and next in order are Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut. Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, also, rank 
high as manufacturing states. 

Section XXXVIT. )|0|IUla^ti0n* The popu- 
lation of the United States in 1820, was nine 
millions, six hundred avid thirty-seven thousand, 
nine hundred and ninety-nine ; of whom one 
million, five hundred and thirty-one thousand, 
four hundred and thirty-six were slaves, and two 
hundred and thirty-three thousand, three hun- 
dred and ninety-eight were free blacks. 

The number of foreigners who arrive in the country is, upon 
an average, about five or six thousand annually. About this 
number, however is supposed to emigrate to the British provio/. 
ces. The natural increase of the population is estimated at 
about three hundred thousand. The population of the United 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 40V 

States may now, therefore, (close of the year 1822,) be consi- 
dered as exceeding ten millions. 

The following observations, respecting the population of the 
country, have been found to be true by a late respectable writer.* 
1. That the inhabitants of the United States double in about 
twenty-five years. 2. That taking the whole United States to- 
gether, the whites increase faster than the blacks ; but that in 
the states in which the blacks are very numerous, they have al- 
most uniformly increased faster than the whites, in thos<> states 
In Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolirui, Geor 
gia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, the blacks, for the last thirty 
years, have increased much faster than the whites. In North 
Carolina and Tennessee, they have increased more than as fast 
again, and in South Carolina, during the last ton years, they have 
increased three times as fast. In the northern states, on the 
contrary, the black population is almost stationary, and in Maine, 
New-Hampshire, and Rhode-Island, it is diminishing. 3. That 
in all our great cities the females are more numerous than the 
males, while in the whole United States the reverse is true. 
The average of all the cities gives neaily one hundred and nine fe- 
males to one hundred males, whereas, in the whole United 
States, the average of females is but ninety-seven to one hundred 

'Section XXXVIII. ^^JUCAtfOU^ The education 
of youth, which is So essential to the well being 
of society, and intimately connected with the 
political prosperity of a republican govern- 
ment, has received, as has been noticed in 
the progress of this work, considerable atten- 
tion in the United States, in every period since 
their settlement. The present state of our pri- 
mary and higher schools, of our colleges, univer- 
sities, and other establishments of education, is 
more flourishing than at any former period ; their 
number is annually increasing, and a more liberal 
spirit, in respect to their endowment, is pre- 
vailing. 

In all the New-England States, excepting Rhode-Island, com- 
mon schools are supported by law. In this latter state, how- 



* S. E. Morse, who has recently published a valuable Geography, (W 
which the author is indebted for many important facta in these notes. 



408 PERIOD XI....iei7....1825. 

ever, academies are established in all the principal towns, and 
private schools are extensively maintained, during the winter 
months. In the new state of Maine, a sum, exceeding one hun- 
dred thousand dollars, is raised by tax, and appropriated to the 
support of a school master for every two hundred inhabitants. 
The number of school houses is estimated at fifteen hundred. 

In Connecticut the common schools are supported by a fund, 
arising from the sale of lands in Ohio, which formerly belonged 
to the state. This fund amounted in May 1821, to one million 
and seven hnndred thousand dollars, the yearly income of which, 
together with twelve thousand dollars of the pubhck taxes, is 
annually devoted to the maintenance of common schi ol masters, 
in every town in the state. The amount paid to the ijwns from 
this fund, In 1818, was more than seventy thousand dollars, a 
greater sum by twenty-two thousand dollars than the whole state 
tax amounted to in the year preceding. 

A common school fund exists, also, in the state of New- York, 
In 1822, it consisted of more than one million one hundred 
liiousand dollars, and twenty-five thousand acres of land. The 
sum, which this fund annually yields, is nearly eighty thousand 
dollars, and it assists to give instruction to nine tenths of the 
cliildren of that populous state, between the ages of five and fif- 
teen years. Besides the common schools and colleges, there are 
nearly fifty incorporated academies. There is also a literary 
fund of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, the interest of 
which is annually distributed to the several colleges and acade^ 
mies of the state. 

In Virginia, a literary fund has recently been created by the 
legislature, consisting of monies received from the United States, 
for military services during the late war. It amounted, in De- 
cembei, 1818, to about one million and one hundred thousand 
dollars, to which is yet to be added a balance, due from the 
United States. The interest of this sum, with the addition of 
fines, forfeitures, &c. which have also been appropriated to the 
same object, will, in the opinion of the Directors, yield an an- 
nual income of nearly ninety thousand dollars. Ot this sum 
forty-five thousand dollars annually have been appropriated to 
the support of primary schools, and fifteen thousand dollars to 
the endowment of a university. 

Until within a few years, the subject of education has receiv- 
ed but little attention in North Carolina. Much zeal, however, 
has recently been displayed in the establishment of academies 
and schools. Previously to 1 804, there were but two academies 
in the state ; there are now fifty, and the number is still increas- 
ing. 

In South Carolina, academies are numerous 5 the legislature 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 409 

annually appropriates thirty thousand dollars for the support of 
free schools. In 1817, the slate of Georgia gave one hundred 
thousand dollars for the same object. In the states of Alabama, 
Ohio, and Illinois, provision has been made, by the United 
States, for the education of youth, one section, or a thirty-sixth 
part of every township, being granted by the act of congress 
that admitted these states to the union, for the support of com- 
mon schools, and in addition one, and in some states, t\^ o town- 
ships for the support of a college. Till recently, education has 
been much neglected in Louisiana, and many of the inhabitaiits 
are unable either to read or wiite. Lately, the attention of 'he 
governme it has been directed to this subject, and schools and 
higher seminaries of learning are establishing in various purts of 
the state. 

Several universities and colleges have been added to the lite- 
rary institutions in the United States, within this period. Of 
universities, two have recently commenced operations in the 
state of Ohio, one at Athens, on the Hockhocking, by the name 
of the Ohio University ; the other at Oxford, near the south west 
corner of the state, by the name of the Miami University. The 
former of these has two townships of land, or forty-six thousand 
acres, and an annual income of two thousand three hundred 
dollars ; the latter has one township which yields about two 
thousand dollars. 

Besides these, there is a flourishing college at Cincinnati, 
which was incorporated in 1819, and which has funds amount* 
ing to thirty thousand dollars. A medical college is connected 
with it. Worthington college was incorporated during the same 
year. In 1818, Transylvania university, in Lexington, Ken« 
tucky, was re-organized and placed' upon a more liberal foun- 
dation. The number of students now exceeds three hundred. 
A college was established, in 1819 at Danville, about thirty 
miles southwest from Lexington. 

A university has recently been commenced at Charlottesville, 
in Albemarle county, Virginia. The plan contemplates ten profes- 
sorships ; and the buildings, consisting of ten pavillions for the 
professors, five hotels for dieting the students, with one hundred 
and four dormitories sufficient for two hundred and eight students, 
are already finished, in an elegant style of architecture. A 
college has recently gone into operation in the District of Co- 
lumbia. It is situated three miles from the capital. A Baptist 
Theological seminary is to be connected with the institution. 
Besides these institutions, there are several others, viz. a Charity 
school at Bangor, Maine, whose object is to prepare young men 
for the ministry, in a shorter time than is usual at other semina- 
ries ; a Baptist literary and theological seminary at Waterville,on 



410 PERIOD XI....1817....1825. 

the Kennebeck ; and one at New-York, belon^ngtothe Protestant 
Episcopal Church. A Theological institution has also been es- 
tablished at Auburn, New-York, by the Presbyterians. Seve- 
ral others are in contemplation in the country. 

The foregoing facts, in relation to the state of our common 
and higher institutions of learning, no American, in whose bo- 
som glows the spirit of the patriot, will regard with indifference. 
Like the light of heaven, science cheers, beautifies, and adorns. 
T its influence are we indebted for much of the civil and reli- 
gious freedom which we enjoy, and intimately connected with 
its progress are the future honour and happiness of our country. 
An intelligent people will select intelligent rulers, and intelli- 
gent rulers will manage safely the government confided to their 
trust. " There is scarcely one instance brought" says Bacon, 
" of a disastrous government, where learned men have been 
seated at the helm." 

The general diffusion of knowledge tends also to make peace- 
able citizens. " It causes men," in the language of a periodical 
work of our own country, " to have just views of the nature, value, 
and relations of things, the purposes of life, the tendency of ac- 
tions, to be guided by purer motives, to form nobler resolutions, 
and to press forward to more desirable attainments. Know- 
ledge smooths down the roughness and tames the native ferocity 
of man." Our ancestors knew these things; they were aware 
of the importance of knowledge among the people to the strength 
of the social and political fabrick, which they were commencing ; 
they, therefore, when they laid the foundations of their dwellings, 
almost si nultaneously laid the foundations of our common and 
higher sei inaries of learning. 

A steady, though too slow an advance has been making in 
relation to science, through the whole period of our history. 
The importance of it is more generally admitted, and greater 
favour is shown towards those institutions which are devoted to 
its cultivation. Far distant be the day, when the prevalence of 
ignorance shall expose us to anarchy, and leave us to become 
the victims to some ambitious, turbulent, faithless spirit, who 
may rise to wield the sword of despotism. On the con- 
trary, may knowledge continue to increase, and with it that 
love of justice, virtue, and religion, which, under thu' blessing of 
heaven, will make our beloved country perpetually the seat of 
peace and freedom. 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 411 

XXXIX. Upon concluding this history of our country, we can 
scarcely refrain from asking, who of our ancestors anticipated 
results from their toils, so stupendous as those which we behold ? 
Who of them predicted, while they were laying up the pines of 
the forest for a shelter, that they were commencing an empire, 
which, within two centuries, would extend thousands of miles, 
and embrace, within its bosom, ten millions of the human race? 
Who then thought of cities, with their busy populatio;*, a thou 
sand miles from the waters of the Atlantick P — or ot fleets, on 
inland seas, proceeding to, and returning from distant voyages ? 
or of navies pouring forth their thunder and their flame ? Sucb 
results entered not into sober calculation, and were beyond <^ven 
the dreams of fancy. Yet two centuries have brought them to 
Dass. 

The branch which our fathers planted, under the lostering 
care of heaven, rose, extended, invigorated. It acquired stabilt" 
ty by oppression, and gathered importance from the eflbrts 
which were made to crush it. In the progress of our history} 
we have seen the American [jeople, while sustaining only the 
character of colonists, and struggling with the discouragementl 
and difficulties of new settlements, maintaining at their own ex- 
pense, and bringing to prosperous conclusion, wars, which a seU 
fish and jealous mother country, by her pride and imprudence, had 
occasioned. We have seen these colonies, amidst all the oppres- 
sions which they experienced, through exactions, and calumnies, 
loss of charters, and one abridgment of liberty after another, 
still maintaining their loyalty — still indulging the feelings, and 
adopting the language of affection, until justice and patriotism 
and religion bid them rise to assert those rights, which the God 
of nature designed for all his rational offspring. 

Through a long and tryine war, in which inexperience had to 
contend with discipline, and poverty with wealth, we see them 
pledging their fortunes, liberties, and lives to one another, and, 
to the astonishment of the world, accomplishing their emancipa 
tion. And when emancipated, and transformed into an inde- 
pendent nation, we see them calmly betaking themselves to the 
organization of a government, under a constitution as wise as it 
was singular, and whose excellency and coinpetency the expe- 
rience of more than thirty years has confirmed. — Simultaneous- 
ly with these events, what extensive conquests have been mada 
on the wilderness ! Deserts have put on beauty and fruitfulnessu 



412 PERIOD XI ..1817....1825. 

and a way been constantly extending towards the waters of the 
Pacifick, for the advance of civilization and religion. 

Had we the spirit of prophecy, in respect to the future condi- 
tion of America, this would not be the place to indulge it. No 
nation, however, ever possessed, in a higher degree, the means of 
national prosperity. Our territory is ample — our soil fertile — 
our climate propitious — our citizens enterprising, brave, and per- 
severing. A sea coast of three thousand miles — inland seas, 
numerous canals, facilitate foreign and domestick trade. Being 
free and independent of otlicr nations, we can frame our laws, 
and fashion our institutions, as experience and an enlightened 
policy shall dictate. Our universities and colleges are yearly 
qualifying numbers for the higher professions of life, while our 
academies and schools are difiusing intelligence, to an unpstraU 
leled extent, among our virtuous yeomanry. The Bible and the 
institutions of Christianity are with us, and are presenting to uS 
all the blessings which religion can impart. Thus circumstanc- 
ed, what should prevent our country from advancing to that emi- 
nence of national happiness, beyond which national happiness 
cannot extend? — "Manufactures may here rise — busy com- 
merce, inland and foreign, distribute our surplus produce, aug- 
ment our capifnl, give energy to industry, improvement to roads, 
patronage to arts and sciences, vigour to schools, and universali- 
ty to the institutions of religi(<n ; reconciling civil liberty with 
eflicient government ; extended population with concentrated 
action ; and unparalleled wealth with sobriety and morality." 

Let but the spirit, the practical wisdom, the religious integri- 
ty of the first planters of our soil, prevail among rulers and sub- 
jects — let God be acknowledged, by giving that place to his 
word and institutions which they claim — and all these blessings 
are ours. We shall enjoy peace with nations abroad, and tran- 
quillity at home. As years revolve, the tide of our national 
prosperity will flow broader and deeper. In the beautiful lan- 
guage of inspiration — " our sons will be as plants grown up in 
their youth, and our daughters as corner stones, polished after 
the similitude of a palace. Our garners will be full, including 
all manner o." stores, our sheep will bring forth by thousands, 
and ten thousands ; our oxen will be strong to labour, and there 
will be no breaking in, or going out, or complainmgin oiur streets. 
— Happy is that people that is in such a case, yea, happy is that 
people whose God' is the Lord." 



UNITED STATES. 



DISTINGUISHED FOR ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 

Section I. On the 4th of March, Mr. Adams, 
in the presence of the Senate, House of Repre- 
sentatives, heads of department, foreign minis- 
ters, and a numerous assemblage of citizens and 
strangers, took the oath prescribed by the con- 
stitution, and entered upon the duties of Presi- 
dent of the United States. 

On the occasion of his inauguration, Mr. Adams, in com- 
pliance with usage, delivered an address, in which he un- 
folded the principles by which he should be guided in the 
fulfilment of the duties of his office. Among other things he 
said, "our political creed is, without a dissenting voice that 
can be heard, that the will of the people is the source, and 
the happiness of the people the end, of all legitimate govern- 
ment upon earth — That the best security for the beneficence, 
and the best guarantee against the abuse of power, consist 
in the freedom, the purity, and the frequency of popular elec- 
tions — That the general government of the union, and the 
separate governments of these states, are all sovereignties of 
limited powers ; fellow-servants of the same masters, uncon- 
trolled within their respective spheres, uncontrollable by 
encroachments upon each other — That the firmest security 
of peace is the preparation, during peace, of the defences of 
war — That a rigorous economy, and accountability of public 
expenditures, should guard against the aggravation, and al- 
leviate, when possible, the burden of taxation — That the 
military should be kept in strict subordination to the civil 
power — That the freedom of the press and of religious 
opinion should be inviolate — That the policy of our country 
a peace, and the ark of our salvation union, are articles oif 
with upon which we are all agreed." 

35* 



414 PERIOD XII....1825. 

Section II. On the day of Mr. Adams' indac- 
tion into office, the Senate was convened by 
the Executive, for the purpose of confirming 
nominations to office under the new administra- 
tion. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, was appointed 
Secretary of State ; Richard Rush, of Pennsyl- 
vania, Secretary of the Treasury; and James 
Barbour, of Virginia, Secretary of War. 

The new administration had scarcely entered upon its op- 
erations, before it was apparent that it was destined to meet 
with a systematic and organized opposition. Those who 
arrayed themselves against the administration, without ref- 
erence to its measures, urged, as reasons for their hostility, 
that Mr. Adams' election was the result of a bargain between 
Mr. Clay and himself; and his election of Mr. Clay, as Secreta- 
ry of State, was relied upon as conclusive proof of the bargain ; 
that he was elected against the expressed will of the people ; 
and that Congress, by not taking General Jackson, the can- 
didate having the highest number of votes, had violated the 
constitution, and disobeyed their constituents. 

Those who were friendly to the administration, or disposed 
to judge of it by its acts, replied to these objections, that 
IMr. Clay, as a representative, was obliged to decide between 
three candidates for the presidency, and that his vote was in 
accordance with all his previous declarations ; that Mr. Craw- 
ford was virtually withdrawn from the list of candidates by 
his ill health, and that, in respect to the remaining two, Mr. 
Clay had always expressed himself decidedly in favour of 
the character ond qualifications of Mr. Adams, which rendered 
it impossible for him to vote for General Jackson without the 
most gross inconsistency. Besides, the experience, the learn- 
ing, the talents, the diplomatic skill of Mr. Adams, decidedly 
entitled him to the office in preference to any other candidate. 
As to the election of Mr. Clay to be Secretary of State, this 
was vindicated on the ground that his situation as Speaker 
of the House, and his long and intimate acquaintance with 
our national affairs, made him the most prominent candidate 
for tjiat station. The refusal of this appointment by Mr. 
Clay, it was urged, would have argued an improper distrust 
of his own character and of public opinion, and would have 
in a measure confirmed the suspicion of an improper alliance 
between himself and Mr. Adams. 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 4IS 

Of the other objections urged by the opponents of the ad- 
ministration, it is sufficient, in this place, to say, that they 
were answered by the same zeal, and, to the minds of the 
supporters of the administration, with even more force than 
that with which they had been offered. It is but justice to 
add, that the charge of a bargain between Mr. Adams and 
Mr. Clay has not been satisfactorily supported. On the con- 
trary, it seems now to be generally admitted, that no alliance 
had been formed between these gentlemen previously to the 
late presidential election. 

Section III. About this time, a controversy 
arose between the National Government and the 
Executive of Georgia, in relation to certain lands 
held by the Creek nation, but which that State 
claimed as belonging to herself. In the progress 
of this controversy so much warmth was mani- 
fested, both by Georgia and some of the neigh- 
bouring States, that much anxiety was felt by 
persons in different parts of the Union as to the 
consequences. The prompt and vigilant meas- 
ures of the National Executive, however, sanc- 
tioned as they ultimately were by Congress, set- 
tled the controversy without disturbing the peace 
of the Union. 

This controversy grew out of a compact between the 
General Government and the State of Georgia, in 1802. 
By that compact, the United States agreed, in consideration 
of Georgia relinquishing her claim to the Mississippi Terri- 
tory, to extinguish, at the national expense, the Indian title 
to the lauds occupied by them in Georgia, " whenever it 
could be. peaceably done, upon reasonable terms." Since 
making that agreement, the General Government had extin- 
guished the Indian title to about fifteen millions of acres, 
and had conveyed the same to the State of Georgia. There 
still remained in that State exceeding nine millions of acres, 
in possession of the Indians, of which about five millions 
belonged to the Cherokees, and the remainder to the Creek 
nation. 

Shortly before the termination of Mr. Monroe's adminis- 
tration, an effort had been made to effect a treaty with the 



416 FERIOD XII....1825. 

Creeks for their portion of the above lands. The Creeks, 
however, having become more civilized, refused to alienate 
their territory, and had even passed a law making it a capi- 
tal oiFence to sell any more land. No solicitations of the 
commissioners appointed to purchase their lands could in- 
duce them to consent, and, the council breaking up, a major- 
ity of the chiefs took their departure. A few, however, 
who thought differently, remained, and were induced to 
make a treaty, by which all the lands of the Creek tribes in 
Georgia and Alabama were ceded to the United States. — 
This treaty was mad§the 12th Feb. 1825, and was transmit- 
ted to the Senate, and sanctioned by that body, on the 3d 
of March, the last day of the session, without that examina- 
tion of the circumstances which it would have had, had it 
been transmitted at an earlier period of the session. 

When the news of the ratification of this treaty arrived 
among the Creeks, it produced great excitement. M'Intosh, 
the leader and chief of the party that assented to it, and an- 
other chief, were killed, and the treaty rejected. 

In the mean time, the Governor of Georgia, acting upon 
the assumption that the treaty was valid, made provision to 
have the lands surveyed, and distributed among the citizens 
by lottery. To the Creeks the conduct of Gov. Troup was 
especially obnoxious, and, a war being likely to be the con- 
sequence of measures pursued, the President directed Gen. 
Gaines to repair to the country of the Creeks to give them 
the necessary protection, and directed Gov. Troup to sus- 
pend his contemplated measures until the meeting of Con- 
gress. 

Efforts, however, continued to be made to settle this 
difficulty upon amicable terms ; and at length, after a long 
negotiation with a deputation from the Creek nation at 
Washington, the old treaty was declared to be void, and a 
new one formed, by which the Creeks were to retain all 
their lands in Alabama, and to receive $217,000, and a per- 
petual annuity of $ 20,000 for their Georgia territory. To the 
M'Intosh party the United States agreed to pay $ 100,000. 
provided the party amounted to 3000 ; and so in proportion 
for a smaller number. Moreover, a tract of land beyond the 
Mississippi was to be provided for the accommodation of 
such as wished to remove, and the expense of removal and 
the first year's subsistence to be borne by the United States. 
This treaty the Senate ratified by a vote of 30 to 7. On 
the passage of the bill making appropriations to carry into 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 41^ 

effect the new treaty, the vote in the House of Representa- 
tives stood 167 to 10. To the passage of the bill the Geor- 
gia delegation offered a protest, which was suffered to be 
entered on the journal of the House by a vote of 82 to 61. 

The unanimity with which the conduct of the Executive, 
in the settlement of this intricate and unpleasant controversy, 
was approved by Congress, was as unexpected as it was sat- 
isfactory to the people in every part of the country, except 
in the State of Georgia, where strong and excited feelings 
powerfully tended to prevent a fair and impartial considera- 
tion of the question. 

Section IV. During the recess of Congress, 
an inquiry was instituted into the official conduct 
of Captains Porter and Stewart, which resulted 
in the suspension of the former from the service 
for six months, and the honourable acquittal of 
the latter. 

Captain Porter had been recalled from his command in 
the West Indies by Mr. Monroe, shortly before the termina- 
tion of his administration, on account of his landing at Fox- 
ardo, a Spanish settlement, and compelling the authorities 
of that place to apologize for their misconduct towards one 
of the officers of his squadron. The ciicumstances attending 
this affair induced Mr. Monroe not only to recall Capt. Por- 
ter, but to appoint a court of inquiry. This court met at 
Washington, May, 1825. During its session a controversy 
arose between the accused and the court, which resulted in 
the withdrawal of Capt. Porter from the court, and a publi- 
cation by him of its proceedings, with his reasons for with- 
drawing. The court, however, proceeded in its inquiries, 
and, reporting its opinion to the President, a court martial 
was ordered to try Capt. Porter on two charges ; the first for 
violating his instructions, and committing acts of hostility 
against the subjects of Spain by landing at Foxardo, and the 
other for insubordinate and unbecoming conduct, growing 
out of his controversy with the court of inquiry. Of these 
charges the court martial, which met in July, found him 
guilty, and sentenced him to a suspension of six months. 
Soon after, Capt. Porter withdrew from the service of the 
United States, and was appointed to the command of the 
Mexican squadron. 

The charges against Capt. Stewart were such as to toucl^ 



418 PERIOD XII....1825. 

his fame as an officer and a man of honour ; hut the court, 
after a minute and deliberate investigation, acquitted him of 
any charge, and accompanied the acquittal with a high com~ 
pliment to his conduct while in the Pacific. 

Section V. The year 1825 was characterized 
by a spirit of speculation, which manifested it- 
self not only throughout the United States, but 
also in Europe, and which ended in the embar- 
rassment and ruin of thousands both here and in 
other countries. 

The principal article of speculation was cotton, which rose 
in a few weeks from 6d. to 166?. sterling. This increase of 
price was partly owing to the small quantity then in the 
English market, but more to a spirit of commercial gambling, 
which had infected the whole commercial community. 
Coffee, spices, and other West India produce, also, rose 
with great rapidity. Stocks, both public and private, ex- 
ceeded all former prices. In a short time, however, the 
fictitious wealth, whicli the expansions of the bubbles had 
created, suddenly disappeared, and the ruin of thousands 
followed. In Enpjland, more extensive bankruptcies occur- 
red than had been known for many years, occasioning an 
universal alnrm and distrust. The public funds fell rapidly. 
Many of the most eminent banking houses stopped payment, 
and the ministry were called upon to devise measures for 
present relief to the intense pecuniary distress. The effects 
of these failures extended to other countries, and, though noi 
equal in degree, were felt on the continent and in the United 
States. 

Section VI. On the 5th of December, in con- 
formity with the provisions of the constitution, 
the two Houses of Congress assembled in theii' 
respective chambers, and commenced the 1st ses- 
sion of the 19th Congress. 

In his message at this time, the President stated that our 
foreign relations had undergone no material alteratior; since 
the adjournment of the preceding Congress, although impor- 
tant changes had taken place in the commercial system of 
Great Britain, the effects of which, however, were not yet 
fully developed. The domestic state of the country was 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 419 

i^eprcsented to be flourishing, and its finances even more fa- 
vourable than had been anticipated by the Secretary of the 
Treasury. 

Section VII. Shortly after the opening of the 
session, propositions were introduced into both 
Houses to amend that part of the constitution, 
which provides for the election of the Executive. 
In the discussion of this subject, a considera- 
ble portion of the session was occupied ; great 
warmth was manifested by the respective par- 
ties, but no plan could be devised to which a 
majority would give its sanction. 

This subject was brought forward, the first week of the 
session, in the House, by Mr. M'Duffie, of S. C, in the shape 
of a resolution to amend the constitution by establishing an 
uniform mode of electing the President and Vice-President 
by districts, and declaring the sense of the House in favour 
of preventing the election from devolving on Congress. — 
Subsequently, this proposition was modified by the mover as 
follows : That the constitution should be so amended as to 
prevent the election of President and Vice-President from 
devolving upon the House of Representatives. 2dly. That 
an uniform system of voting by districts in each State, equal 
in number to the Senators and Representatives of that State, 
ought to be established, and that each district should send 
one. 3dly. That a select committee be appointed to report 
a joint resolution embracing these objects. 

These resolutions were urged with great vehemence by 
those who were opposed to the election of Mr. Adams. 
The debate on both sides was animated, and sometimes an- 
gry and personal. After a discussion of the subject for 
seven weeks, Mr. Webster, of Massachusetts, moved to dis- 
charge the committee from any further consideration of the 
subject. This was acceded to ; and the previous question 
being ordered, to prevent further debate, the decision of the 
House was taken upon the resolutions. On the first, which 
took the election from Congress, the House divided, 123 in 
the affirmative, and 64 in the negative. The second reso- 
lution, in favour of the districting system, was rejected by a 
vote of 101 to 91. — The subject was then referred to a select 
committee of 24, one from each state, which, at the close of 



120 PERIOD XII....I825. 

the session, reported that they had not been able to agree 
upon any plan to prevent the election from devolving upon 
Congress. 

In the Senate, early in the session, a resolution was offer- 
ed, providing for the same subject by a direct vote of the 
people in districts. This resolution was referred to a com- 
mittee, which, on the 19th of January, made a report on the 
subject, accompanied by a long resolution, embracing the 
amendment proposed. Great ability was displayed in draw- 
ing up this report : but the subject was not taken up in the 
Senate, and was finally lost sight of in the other more inter- 
esting topics which were soon made the object of its atten- 
tions. 

The obvious effect of the above attempt to amend the 
Constitution was to excite the feelings of the members, and 
to call forth that angry spirit, which had been so improperly 
manifested at the late election of the Executive. It served 
to array the respective parties still more against each other, 
and to consolidate the already organized opposition to the 
administration. 

Section VIII. Another subject, which occu- 
pied much of the attention of Congress, was the 
acceptance by the President of the invitation to 
send commissioners to the Congress of Panama, 
and the nomination of Richard C. Anderson and 
John Sargeant as ministers on the part of the 
United States, and WilHam B. Rochester of New 
York as Secretary. These nominations were at 
length confirmed by the Senate, and the necessa- 
ry appropriations made by the House ; not, how- 
ever, without a long and angry debate, in which 
many reflections were cast upon the Executive 
on account, as it was deemed, of its hasty ac- 
ceptance of the above invitation. 

The Congress at Panama had for its object the cementing 
of the friendly relations of all the Independent States of Amer- 
ica, and was designed, also, to serve as a common council 
in the conflicting state of things in South America, and as an 
umpire in their differences. The plan of such a Congress 
was first introduced into a treaty between Peru and Coloiu- 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 421 

bia in 182S. In the three succeeding years the same sub- 
ject was had in view in treaties concluded between Colom- 
bia, Chili, Guatimaia, and Mexico ; and the Isthmus of Pa- 
nama was designated as the place of the meeting of this 
great Araeiican Congress. To this Congress an invitation 
was given, by several of the above States, to the United States 
to send commissioners. Before the meeting of the federal 
Congress, the invitation had been accepted by the President, 
and, on the meeting of that body, the above nomination of 
ministers was made. The message of the President to the 
Senate, with the documents touching this subject, was refer- 
red to the Committee on Foreign Relations ; where it re- 
mained till January 16th, when a report was made condemn- 
ing the mission, and ending with a resolution declaring it to be 
inexpedient to send ministers to Panama. This resolution 
was negatived after several attempts to amend it, and the 
nomination made by the President of the above ministers 
confirmed. Here it was expected the subject, at least so far 
as the Senate was concerned, would end. A few days after, 
however, a resolution was offered, the import of which was, 
that the President was not constitutionally competent to ac- 
cept the invitation from the governments of the new repub- 
lics to send ministers to the Panama Congress. The resr'a- 
tion, however, w^as laid upon the table by a vote of 23 to 21. 

In this debate, Mr. Randolph took occasion, in his desul- 
tory manner, to stigmatize the Secretary of State, for his vote 
in the late Presidential election, in such terms as induced 
that gentleman to demand an explanation of the offensive 
epithets. Any explanation Mr. Randolph pertinaciously re- 
fused when called upon by Mr. Clay ; and, on the 8th of 
April, a meeting took place between them, which, after two 
ineffectual fires, resulted in the reconciliation of the parties. 
Much regret prevailed throughout the country that Mr. Clay, 
occupying so high and responsible a station, should have felt 
himself compelled to resort to a mode of settling a contro- 
versy so revolting to reason, and so unjustifiable in the view 
of sound morality — a mode which at all times gi^"es a most un- 
reasonable advantage to the offender, and, in the present in- 
stance, put at hazard the life of a man who has talents which 
must command respect, and which may be most usefully em- 
ployed for his country. 

In the House of Representatives, the Committee on For- 
eign Relations reported in favour of the expediency of send- 
ing ministers, and offered a resolution to make the necessary 

36 



422 PERIOD XII....1625. 

appropriations. On the 3d of April this resolution \yas taken 
into consideration, but it was not until the 21st, and after 
encountering great opposition, that it passed by a vcte of 
133 to 61. 

The House having thus assented to the policy of the mis- 
sion by making the appropriation, measures were taken to 
carry it into effect ; and orders were transmitted to Mr. An- 
derson, who was then in Colombia, to attend the Congress 
J which was to hold its first meeting in the month of June. 
In his way to Panama, however, a malignant fever, by which 
he was attacked, proved fatal to him. After the decision 
of Congress, it was found too late for Mr. Sargeant to reach 
Panama in season to attend the first meeting of the members 
of the mission, and accordingly the United States were not 
represented. 

On the 22d of June, the representatives of Peru, Mexico, 
Central America, and Colombia, met, and commenced their 
deliberations. Upper Peru and Chili were not represented. 
Diplomatic agents from England and the Netherlands, though 
these governments had not been invited, were present, but 
were not permitted to attend upon the deliberations of the 
Congress. 

The body continued in cession until the 15th of July, hav- 
ing concluded between themselves, as belligerents, a treaty 
of friendship and perpetual confederation, offensive and de- 
fensive, to which all other American powers might accede 
within the year. The next meeting was ordered to be held 
at Tacubaya, a village near Mexico, in the month of Febru- 
ary, 1827. 

Section IX. During this session of Congress, 
a bill was introduced making provision for the 
surviving officers of the revolution. After an 
animated discussion of the subject, the bill was 
virtually lost by being recommitted, by a vote of 
90 to 86, for the purpose of ascertaining the 
number of revolutionary officers who ought to 
be provided for by law, and the amount neces- 
sary to make such provision. 

-•^^j-^ general wish, no doubt, prevailed in the country to do 
theso heroes of the revolution justice. The visit of La Fay- 
ette had excited a strong feeling in their favour. As he pass- 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 423 

ed through the country, and met the companions of his for- 
mer toils and glory, a disposition seemed to prevail to recom- 
pense them for their sufferings aad privations ; and Congress 
met imder the influence of a general belief that some provis- 
ion would be made for their declining years, or at least an 
ample remuneration for the depreciation of the currency in 
which they had been paid. 

Sectio7i X. On the 22d of May, 1826, Con- 
gress closed its session. U was a long one, but, 
excepting the sanction given to the Panama 
mission, nothing of great public interest was ac- 
comphshed. 

Section XI. On the 4th of July occurred the 
50th anniversary of American Independence, 
which was celebrated throughout the union with 
many demonstrations of joy. This day, rendered 
memorable by the event which it celebrated, was 
made still more memorable, in the annals of 
American history, by the death of the two ven- 
erable Ex-Presidents, Adams and Jefferson. 

JOHN ADAMS was born in Braintree, now Quincy, on the 
19th of October, 1735, and was descended from the first English 
emigrants to Massachusetts. He entered Harvard University in 
1751, where he graduated in 1755. Whether he was distin- 
guished at college, or shared its first honours, is not now certainly 
known. After he left college, Mr. Adams engaged in a grammar 
school at Worcester, where he coiumenceJ the study of law.-— 
Being admitted to the bar iii 1758, he commenced business in 
his profession at Braintree, his native town. His success was 
so rapid, and his reputation so great, that in 1766 he removed 
to Boston, where he continued to attend the neighbouring cir- 
cuits, and was occasionally called to remote part? of the Pro- 
vince. In 1770, he undertook the defence of the British officers 
and soldiers, who were indicted for the massacre on the memo- 
rable 5th of March, of that year. — The same year he was elected 
one of the Representatives of the town of Boston, in the Legis- 
lature of the Province, which connected him more intimately 
with the great leaders of the popular party, and eidisted his 
feelings more ardently in public affairs, which at this time were 
assuming a very serious aspect. The popularity he lost in ad- 
vocating the cause of Captain Preston and the British soldiers, 
he soon regained by his zeal and spirited conduct in support of 
the popular cairse. And such was Jjis increasing repntation as a 



424 PERIOD XII....1325. 

patriot and politician, that he was appointed, by the Assembli-, 
one of its Representatives to the Continental Congress, held lu 
Philadelphia, in 1774. Mr. Adanis took an active part in its 
deliberations, and the important measures it adopted. He was a 
member of the Committee which prepared the declaration of the 
rights of the Colonies, and likewise of that which reported the 
Address to the King. He was a member of the Congress the 
next year, and made the motion to appoint George Washington 
the Commander in Chief of the forces to be raised in defence 
of American liberty. He continue j in Congress in 1/76, when 
he was one of the Committee appointed to prepare a Declaration 
of Independence, and he and Thomas Jefferson were named as 
a sub-committee to prepare the draft. ]Mr. Jefferson was the 
draftsman of the Declaration, but Mr. Adams was its boldest and 
ablest defender. 

In the course of this year, 1776, Mr. Adams, and Dr. Franklin, 
and Edward Rutledge, were appointed Commissioners to treat with 
Lord Howe for a pacification. The following year, 1777, he 
was appointed by Congress a Commissioner to the Court of 
France, in the place of Silas Dean. In 1779 Jie returned from 
Europe ; and the next year he was appointed a member of the 
Convention which framed the Constitution of Massachusetts ; 
and he drafted a considerable part of it. Before the close of the 
year 1780, lie was sent to Europe again, as Commissioner to 
negotiate a geueral peace ; and remained in Europe until 1788. 
He was the first minister of the United States at the Court of 
Great Britain ; and whilst residing there, in 1787, he published 
liis Defence of the American Constitutions. On his return to the 
United States, in 1788, he was chosen the first Vice-President ; 
which situation he held during the eight years of Washington's 
administration, when he succeeded the father of his country in 
the Presidential chair. Mr. Adanis was succeeded by Mr. 
Jefferson in 1801, and retired to private life. 

From this time Mr. Adams lived as became a great and v/ise 
man. His correspondence and writings were extensive, and 
highly interesting ; although perhaps some of tni-Ti are not 
entirely free from the peculiar bias of his feelings. In 1820, at 
the advanced age of 85 years, he was once more withdrawn from 
retirem-^nt, being first chosen an elector of President and Vice- 
President, and then elected a member of the Convention to re- 
vise the Constitution of Massachusetts. He was unanimously 
chosen President of the Convention, but declined. Mr. Adams 
died on the 4th of July, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary, and the 
national jubilee of his country, and whilst all his fellovv^-citizens 
were assembled, commemoratins; that great and grlorious event, 
with which his name is inseparably and honourably associated. 

THOMAS JEFFERSON was born on the 2d of April, O. S. 
1743, at Shadwell, in the county of Albemarle, in the State of 
Virginia, but a short distance from Monticello. His father, 
Peter Jeifferson^ vva3 one of the Commissioners for establishing 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, 426 

oLe boundary line between Virginia and North Carolioa, and he 
left his son a large estate. The Jefferson family was among the 
earliest settlers in Virginia. Thomas Jefferson was educated at 
the College of William and Mary, and received the highest 
honours of that Institution. After leaving college, he entered 
upon the study of the lavv, under the tuition of George Wythe, 
tJie first lawyer and advocate in the State. Soon after he came 
of age, he was appointed Justice of the Peace, and this was fol- 
lowed by an election to a seat in the House of Burgesses. — In 
June, 1775, he was elected a member of the Continental Con- 
gress, in the place of Peyton Randolph, who had resigned his 
seat in consequence of ill health. He continued a member, and 
one of the brightest ornaments of this august body, until 1777. 

In 1776, he was one of a Committee appointed to prepare the 
Declaration of Independence. The Committee were appointed 
by ballot, and consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben- 
jamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. 
Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Adams, the two first on the Committee, 
were named as a sub-committee to prepare the '.raft. It was 
written by Mr. Jefferson, and first submitted to Mr. Adams, who 
says that he made no alterations. It was then submitted to the 
whole Committee, and some alterations were made by Franklin, 
and others of the Committee. Some parts of it were omitted by 
Congress after it was reported, and some slight alterations made ; 
but its tone, spirit and arrangement, remained the same as when 
reported. — In 1777, Mr. Jefferson left Congress, a&d during that 
and the following year he was employed, in conjunction with 
George Wythe and Edmund Pendleton, in revising the laws of 
Virginia. Mr. Jefferson is entitled to the principal merit of 
securing the rights of conscience, and establishing religious lib- 
erty in Virginia. No part of the conduct of Mr. Jefferson made 
him more enemies, or brought on him more censure, than his 
exertions in favour of religious freedom ; and perhaps in no 
other particular were his efforts more extensively useful. 

In 1779, Mr. Jefferson succeeded Patrick Henry as governor 
of Virginia, and was in that station when the state was invaded 
by the British. In 178.3, he was again elected a member of the 
Continental Congress, and took his seat in that body ; and in 
May, 1784, he was commissioned as minister plenipotentiary, 
with Franklin, John Adams, Jay, and Laurens, to negotiate trea- 
ties with several European powers. In 1785, he was appointed 
resident minister at tlie French court, and remained in France 
until October, 1789, when, having obtained leave of Congress, he 
returned home, just at the commencement of the tremendous 
revolution in that country, which agitated all Europe. On his 
return liome, when the new government was going into opera- 
tion, he was named, by President Washington, Secretary of 
State. Mr. Jefferson's great ability as a writer, his extensive 
attainments, and perfect knowledge of European politics, as well 
as those of his own country, peculiarly qualified him for this 

36* 



426 PERIOD XII....ia25. 

situation, and justly procured him the reputation cf one of the 
most distinsruished statesmen of the asfe. He continued in the 
office of Secretary of State until December, 1793, when he re- 
isigned, and remained in retirement for several years. In 1797, 
when John Adams was elected President, Mr. Jefferson was 
chosen Vice-President, and to facilitate the discharge of the 
duties of president of the Senate, he composed his Manual of 
parliamentary Practice. In 1801, there having been no choice 
by the electors, he was chosen President of the United States, 
by the House of Representatives, after an alarming and memo- 
rable contest. The most important measure of his administra- 
tion was the acquisition of the immense territory of Louisiana 
by purchase, which alone cannot fail of rendering it illustrious 
to the latest posterity. 

Although the opposition to his administration was violent be- 
yond any example, yet such was the change in public sentiment, 
that, at the expiration of his first term, he was re-elected vv'ith 
an expression f public opinion approaching to unanimity. In 
1809, this illustrious patriot retired from political life, carrying 
with him the respect and affections of a large portion of his 
fellow-citizens. But in retirement he did not, and indeed could 
not, abstract himself from public objects, and the interests of his 
beloved country. His extensive correspondence contributed to 
diffuse his sentiments, as much perhaps as he was enabled to do 
at any other period of his life. Mr. Jefferson's talent at episto- 
lary composition was peculiarly happy, and perhaps unrivalled. 
But his correspondence and other literary employments did not 
occupy his whole attention. At this advanced period of life, his 
active mind, always intent on promoting the best interests of his 
race, led him to engage in a work of great and lasting utility. 
We allude to the establishment of the University of Virginia, of 
which he was rector and visiter, and which occupied a large 
share of his attention during the last years of his life. All his 
useful and great labours on earth being finished, liis end seemed 
to be approaching. He viewed it with calmness and serenity, 
and seemed to manifest some uneasiness in waiting for his de- 
parture. He however had one wish which was granted him. 
This cannot be expressed so well as in the language of one of 
Ills eulogists :* " That day was at hand which he had helped to 
make immortal. One wish, one hope, — if it were not presump- 
tuous, — beat in his fainting breast. Could it be so, — might it 
please God, — he would desire once more to see the sun — once 
more to look abroad on the scene around him, on the great day 
of liberty. Heaven in its mercy fulfilled that prayer. He saw 
that sun— be enjoyed its sacred light— he thanked God for this 
mercy, and bowed his aged head to the grave." He expired at 
Monticello, at one o'clock in the afternoon, on the 4th of July, 
1826, the half century anniversary of that day, which is first in 
the annals of his country, and in his own fame. 

* Wobstet'3 Address. 



CHRONOLOGICAL LIST 

OF 
OrFICERS IN THE FISITED STATES SINCE THE REVOIUTIO** 



The following Chronological List of the principal Officers of the United 
States' Government, under the Constitution, compiled from authentic 
sources, may be interesting to many as a convenient document for ref- 
erence. 

PRESIDENTS. 

George Washington, of Virginia, appointed, ....... 1789 

John Adams, of Massachusetts, 1797 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, , . 1801 

James Madison, of Virginia, . 1809 

James Monroe, of Virginia, , . . . 1817 

John Q,. Adams, of Massachusetts, 1825 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

John Adams, of Massachusetts, 1789 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, 1797 

Aaron Burr, of New York, 1801 

George CUnton, of New York, 1806 

[Died, April 20, 1812.] 

Elhridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, ...«,..... 1812 

[Died, November 2;), 1814.] 

Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, 1817 

John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, , . . . 1825 

SECRETARIES OF STATE. 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia 1789 

Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, 1794 

Timothy Pickering, of Massachusetts, 1795 

John Marshall, of Virginia, 1800 

James Maaison, of Virginia, 1808 

Robert Smith, of Maryland, 1809 

James Monroe, of Virginia, 1811 

John Q,. Adams, of Jlassachusetts, , , . 1817 

Henry Clay, of Kentucky, , . . 1825 

SECRETARIES OF THE TREASORT, 

Alexander Hamilton, of New York, , . , . 1789 4^^ 

Oliver Wolcott, of Connecticut, 1795 ^^ 

Samuel Dexter, of Massachusetts, ,..,,. 1801 

Albert Gallatin, of Pennsylvania, 1802 

George W. Campbell, of Tennessee, , . 1813 

A'.'^xander J. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, ......,,,. 1814 

William H. Crawford, of Georgia, 1817 

Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, 1825 



428 OFFICERS OP THE UNITFJ) STATES. 

SECRETARIES OF WAR. 

Henry Knox, of Massachusetts, 1789 

Timothy Pickering, of Massachusetts, , , . . 179$ 

James M 'Henry, of Maryland, 
Samuel Dexter, of Massachusetts, 
Roger Griswold, of Connecticut, 

Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, 1801 

William Eustia, of Massachusetts, ,.,... 1809 

John Armstrong, of New York, 1813 

Isaac Shelby, of Kentucky, 1815 

[Did not accept.] 

William H. Crawford, of Georgia, , . . . ■ 1816 

John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 1817 

James Barbour, of Virginia, , . 1825 

SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

J^ote. — This department was not established until the 30th of April, 
1798, being, prior to this date, a branch of the War Department. 

George Cabot, of Massachusetts, appointed, 179S 

Benjamin Stoddard, of Maryland, 1799 

Robert Smith, of Maryland, 1802 

Jacob Crowninshield, of Massachusetts, 1805 

Paul Hamilton, of North Carolina, 1809 

William Jones, of Pennsylvania, 1812 

Benjamin W. Crowninshield, of Massachusetts, 1814 

Smith Thompson, of New York, 1816 

Samuel L. Southard, of New Jersey, 1823 

POST MASTERS GENERAL. 

Samuel Osgood, of Massachusetts, appointed, 1789 

Timothy Pickering, of Massachusetts, 1791 

Joseph Habersham, of Georgia, 1791 

Gideon Granger, of Connecticut, 1802 

Return J. Meigs, of Ohio, , . 1814 

John M'Lean, of Ohio, 1824 

CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE UNITED STATES. 

John Jay, of New York, appointed, 1786 

William Cushing, of Massachusetts, 1796 

Oliver Ellsworth, of Connecticut, 1796 

John Jay, of New York, 1800 

John ISIarshall, of Virginia, 1801 

• ATTORNEYS GENERAL. 

Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, appointed, 1789 

William Bradford, of Pennsylvania, 1794 

Charles Lee, of Virginia, 1795 

Levi Lincoln, of Massachusetts, 1801 

Robert Smith, of Maryland, 1805 

John Breckenridge, of Kentucky, 1806 

Cassar A. Rodney, of Delaware, 1807 

William Pinckney, of Maryland, J 811 

Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, .... 1814 

William Wirt, of Virginia, , , . ■ 18J7 



OFFICERS OP THE UNITED STATES. 4^9 

SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATITES. 

First Congress.— let and 2d Sessions held at New York, the 3d at 
Philadelphia. Frederick A. Muhlenburgh, of Pennsylvania, 1789 

Second Congress. — Held at Philadelphia. 
Jonathan Trumbull, of Connecticut, 1791 

Third Congress. — Held at Philadelphia. 
Frederick A. Muhlenburgh, of Pennsylvania, 1798 

Fourth Congress. — Held at Philadelphia. 
Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, 1795 

Fifth Congress. — Held at Philadelphia. 
Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, 1797 

Sixth Congress. — 1st Session at Philadelphia, 2d at Washington. 
Theodore Sedgwick, of Massachusetts, 1799 

Seventh Congress. — Held at Washington. 
Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, 1801 

Eighth Congress. 
Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, 1806 

Kinth Congress, 
Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, 1808 

Tenth Congress 
Joseph B. Varnum, of Massachusetts, 1807 

Eleventh Congress 
Joseph B. Varnum, of Massachusetts, 1809 

Twelfth Congress. 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, 1811 

Thirteenth Congress. 

Henry Clay, of Kentucky, 1813 

(until January 27th, 1814.) 
Langdon Cheeves, of South Carolina, fo- the residue of the Congress, 

Fourteenth Congress. 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, , , 181t 

Fifteenth Congress. 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, , , . 1817 

Sixteenth Congress. 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, during tbo first session. 
John W. Taylor, of New York, durmg the second session, 

Seventeenth Congress. 
Philip P. Barbour, of Virginia, , , , 1831 

Eighteenth Congress. 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, , , 1823 

J^ineteenth Congress. 
John W, Taylor, of New York, 1B25 



INDEX. 



THX FIGURES DENOTE THE PAGES. 



Albany, settled, 29. 

Andross, Sir Edmund, arbitrary government 
of, 53, 61. 

Aboriginea, see Indiana. 

Agriculture, 68, 111, 145, 246, 258, 285, 296, 
312, 359. 

Arts and Manufactures, 68, 112, 145, 246, 
258, 285, 996, 312, 359. 

Allen, Ethan, takes Ticonderoga, 163. 

Array, American, disbanded, 241. 

Arnold, Col. difficult enterpriso of, 167 ; 
obtains command of West Point, 220 ; 
treachery of, 922 ; escape of, 222 ; an 
attempt to take him, 293 — 328 ; depre- 
dations in Virginia, 229; invasion of 
Connecticut, &;c. 939. 

Ackland, Lady Harriet, adventures of, 196 — 
198. 

.^ndre, Maj. capture of, trial and death of, 
231, 222. 

Argus captured, 332. 

Adams, John, elected Vice-President, 256 
President, 283. 

Adam8,John Quincy, elected President, 398. 

.\melia Island, notice of, 365. 

Arkansas Territory, organized, 375. 

Alabama, erected into a state, 376. 

Boston settled, 35 ; Port Bill, 158. 

Bacon, rebellion of, 55. 

Braddock, defeat of, 193. 

Barre, Col. speech of, 150. 

Battle of Lexington, 162; of Bunker Hill, 
164 , of Long Island, 178 ; of Brandywine, 
183 ; of Germ^ntown, 184 ; of Bennington, 
187; of Saratoga, 188; of Monmouth, 200; 
of Camden, 217; of Irfie Cowpens, 930 ; of 
Guilford Court-House, 231; of Camden, 
231 ; of Ninety-six, 232 ; of the Eutaw 
Springs, 233; of Yorktown, 237; near 
Chilicothe, 268; of Miama, 270,980; of 
Tippecanoe, 319; of (iueenstown, 395; of 
River Raisin, 329; of York, 331: of 
Plattsburg, 346; of New Orleans, 351. 

Bank, National Establishment of, 267 ; re- 
newal of, 356. 

Bills of credit, depreciation of, 207. 

Burgoyna, Gen. appointed to command the 
British in the North, l85; takes Ticon- 
deroga, 186; defeat, 188. 

Burr, Aaron, elected Vice-President, 295; 
conspiracy of, 303. 

B^lt, Little, attacks the President frisate, 
317. * 

Baltimore, attack upon, 31^. 

bill, Compensatifinj 9C&. 



Columbus, voyage and discoveries of, 10— « 

13. 
Company, London and Flymoutii. account 

of, 21, 22. 
Carver, John, first Governour of PFymoutbj 

30. 
Charlcstown, settled, 35 ; burned, 165. 
Connecticut, settled, 36 ; first constitution 

of, 41 ; incorporated, 46. 
Carolina, settled, 46 ; dissensions in, 76 ; 

sufferings of in Queen Anne'i) war, 93 ; 

taken under royal protection, 100. 
Crown Point, expedition against, 134. 
Canada, surrender of, to the British, 143 ; 

invasion of, by the Americans, 336. 
Confederation, articles of, between the 

states, 180. 
Credit, bills of, depreciation of, 207. 
Congress, Continental, convened, 159 ; pro- 
ceedings of, 160 ; meeting of, 105. 
Congress, Provincial, of Mass. proceedings 

of, 160. 
Champe, sergeant, story of, 223 — 228. 
Clinton, Sir Henry, successful expedition 

of against Charleston, 208 ; superseded, 

240. 
Cornwallig, defeat of, 237. 
Convention of delegates to revise the fed- 
eral system, 252 : Hartford, 348. 
Constitution, Federal, presented to Con< 

gross, 953 ; epitome ot, 283—986 ; ratifi 

cation of, 256 ; amendment of, 263. 
Clair, St. defeat of, 270. 
Caramelli, Hamet, account of, 301. 
Clinton, George, elected Vice-President, 

3l"l. 
Chesapeake frigate, attack upon, 306 ; cat)- 

tured, 332. 
Discoveries, early, by whom made, 10; of 

San Salvador, 10 ; of Newfoundland, 6t, 

Johns, Continent of America, 13; of Cape 

Cod, Nantucket, &c. 13. 
Lelaware, Lord, appointed Governour of 

Jamestown, 28. 
Delaware settled, 45. 
Dustan, Mrs. story of, 90. 
Dunmore, Lord, censurable conduct of, 1G9, 
Danbury burnt, 182. 
De Reidesel, baroness of, adventures of, 

189—196. 
De Estaing, count, arrival of, with a French 

fleet, 200. 
Debt, U. States, at the close of the wax, 

249. 
Decatur, heroio conduct of, at Triimli, 300. 



INDEX. 



431 



DecttB, Berlin, 303 ; Milan, 309 ; Rambouil- 

. let, 316 ; repeal of, 317. 

Detroit, fort, surrender of, 324; retaken, 
336. 

LMucation, 71, 113, 145, 247, 259, 286, 296, 
313, 360. 

Eaton, Gen. enterprise of, 301. 

Embargo laid, 309; repealed, 315; renew- 
ed. 321. 

England, war with, 321. 

Essex frigate, captured, 338. 

Fort William Henry, brave defence of, 129. 

Fort Washington, capture of, 179. 

France, revofulion in, noticed, 274; pros- 
pect of war with, 291. 

Florida, East and West, cession of, 374 ; 
territorial governrhent formed for, 379. 

Oorges, Sir Ferdinando, grant to him, 31. 

Georgia settled. 102; charter of, surrender- 
ed, 104 ; falls into the power of the Brit- 
ish, 201. 

Gates takes the army under Burgoyne, 188; 
appointed to the southern command, -317 : 
defeated at Camden, 217 , superseded, 
2-29. 

Greene, Gen. appointment of, to the southern 
department, 229. 

Government, seat of, fixed at Washington, 
265 ; removed, 293. 

GenPt, M., censurable conduct of, 276. 

Uistory, uses of, 5, 6 ; division of into pe- 
riods, 7, 8, 9. 

Hudson river, discovery of. 29. 

Hartford, settlement of, 37. 

Hooker, Rev. Mr., bold address of, 38. 

Hamilton, Col., appointed Secretary of the 
Treasury, 263 , report of, on public credit, 
963 ; resignation of, 281 ; death of, 300. 

Hartford Convention, 348. 

Harmar, defeat of, 968. 

Hull, surrender of Detroit by, 324. 

Hull, naval achievement of, 324. 

Jamestown, settlement of, 22. 

James II., abdication of, 62. 

Indians, account of, 15—19. 

Jasper, sergeant, anecdote of, 171. 

Independence, declaration of, 175 ; signers 
of, 176. 

Insurrection, Shays', 952; Pennsylvania, 280. 

Jay. John, appointment of, as Chief Justice, 
26-3 ; treaty of, 279. 

Jefferson, Thomas, appointment of, as Sec- 
retary, 269 ; resignation of, 977 ; Vice- 
Pre.aident, 283; President, 295; re-elec- 
tion of, 300; resignation of, 301. 

Jackson, Gen. defence of New Orleans by, 
351 ; conduct of in the Seminole war, 
368—373. 

Indiana, erected into a state, 359. 

Illinois, erected into a state, 367. 

Kniphausen, Gen. infamous conduct of &18. 

Knox, Gen. appointment of, as Secretary 
of War, 262. 

Kentucky, settlement of, 271. 

Lenox, duke of, grant to. 30. 

Leisler, Jacob, usurpation of, 75. 

Louisb'irg, expedition against, 104; restor- 
ed, 108; taken by the English, 130. 

Lee, Richard Henry, address of, 174. 

Lincoln. Gen. defeat of, 209 ; superseded, 
217 ■ 



Laws, alien and sedition, notice of, 294. 

Louisiana, erected into a state, 319. 

Lawrence, Capt. death of, 333. 

Ma.Hsachusetts Bay, settlement of, 35. 

Maryland, settlement of, 36. 

Manners of the colonists, 63, 108, 144, 24(» 
957, 28H, ■J95, 311, 358, 381, 399. 

Montcalm, death of, 137. 

Massacre of citizens of Boston, 157. 

Montgomery, Gen. death of, 168. 

Montreal capture of, 142. 

Morgan, Gen. bravery of, at the battle 6 
the Cowpens, 230. 

Michigan territorial government for, 302. 

Madisoi), James, elected President, 311 ; re 
elected, 330 ; ret ires, 357. 

Monroe James, elected President. 358; tonr 
of, 363; second tour of, 397; third, 375; 
re-elected, 377. 

Mississippi erected into a state, 364. 

Maine erected into a state, 376. 

New York, settlement of, 29; taken from 
the Dutch, 44 ; commotions in, 72. 

New England receives its name, 29; settle- 
ment of, 29 ; Union of the Colonies of, 33. 

New Hampshire, settlement of, 24 ; separa- 
tion of from Massachusetts, 58. 

New Haven, settlement of, 40 ; Colony of, 
united to Connecticut, 43. 

New Jersey, settlement of, 44 ; division of, 
56 ; re-union of, 57. 

Nova Scotia, capture of, 121. 

Niagara, capture of, 134. 

Norfolk, burning of, 169. 

Ochterlony, Capt. story of, 138. 

Ohio, settlement of, 999. 

Orders in council, British, 305, 308. 

Officers and soldiers, revolutionary, provi- 
sion for, 366. 

Powhatan account of, 27. 

Pocahimtas, her story, 27. 

Puritans, account of, 29 ; settlement, 29. 

Providence, settlement of, 37. 

Pequots. war with, 38. 

Philip, king, war with, 48. 

Province of Maine, settlement of, 41 ; dis- 
pute respecting, terminated, 77 ; erected 
into a state, 376. 

Pennsylvania, settlement of, 59. 

Phipps. Sir Wm. life of, 8a. 

Population, 70, 112, 145,247,259,286,296, 
313, 360. 

I^itnam, Gen. adventure of, 204. 

Pitt, his friendship to America, 153; eoo- 
ciliatory bill of, 161. 

Peyton, Ensign, story of, 138. 

Patrick Ilcnry, resolutions of, 151. 

Philadelphia occupation of, by the Britiab, 
184. 

President, frigate, attack upon, 317 ; cap- 
ture of, 355. 

Pike, Gen. death of, 331. 

Provost, Sir Geo. defeat of, 347. 

Pirates, provision against, 381. 

Guesne, Fort du, capture of, 132. 

Quebec, successful expedition against, 13S{ 
unsuccessful expedition under Montgom- 
ery, 168. 

Rhode Island, settlement of, 37. 

Religion, 64, 109, 145, 245, 259, 284, 2«», 
311,359. 



432 



INDEX. 



Revolution, causes of, 147. 

Randolph, Peyton. President of Continental 
Congress, 159. 

Rochambeau, Count de, arrival of, 220. 

Heprosentatives in CongreBS, ratio of, fixed, 
2G9, 379. 

Ross, Gen. death of, 344. 

Smith, Capt. John, life of, 23—29. 

Setlloraent of Jamestown, 23; of New Eng- 
land, 29 ; of New York, 20 ; of Now 
Hampaliire, 33 ; of Massachusetts Bay 
35; of Maryland, 36; of Connecticut. 36 
of New Haven, 40; of Rhode Island. 37 
of Province of Maine, 41 ; of New Jersey 
44; of Delaware, 45; of Carolina, 46; of 
Pennsylvania, 59; of Georgia, 102; of 
Vermont, 965 ; of Kentucky, 271 ; of Ten- 
nessee, 983; of Ohio, i!86; of Michigan, 
303; of Louisiana, 319; of Mississippi, 
364; of Illinois, 367; of Arkansas, 375; 
of Alabama, 376; of Missouri, 377; of 
t lorida, 379. 

Stamp Act, account of, 150 resistance to, 
151. 

Stark, Gen. success of at Bennington, 187. 

Savannah, capture of, by the British, 201. 
loney Point, capture of. 205. 

iumpier, Gen. spirited conduct of, 210. 

Shays, insurrection of, 252. 

Slave trade, account of, 278. 

Sorninole war, 3ti8. 

Treaty of the Plymouth colony with Mas- 
sassoit, 31; of Utrecht, 99; of Aix la 
Chapelle, 108: of Paris, 143; between 
Great Britain and the U. .States, 241, 
279 ; with the Wabash Indians, 274 ; with 
the MiamiB, 281 ; with Algiers, 381; with 
Spain, 281 : with G. Britain, 353 ; with 
Algiers, 353; with Sweden, 398; with 
Great Britain, 374; with Spain, 374. 

Trade and Commerce, 67, 110, 145, 246, 257, 

^ 2S5, 296, 312, 359. 

'Ficonderoga, unsuccessful attack upon, 131; 
capture of, 134 ; secured by Ethan Allen, 
163; retaken by the British, 180. 

Tea, fate of a quantity sent to America, 
158. 

Thompson, Charles, Secretary to Continen- 
tal Congress, 159. 

Tryon, Gov. expedition of, into Connecti- 
cut, 903. 

Ternay, M. de, arrival of, with a French 
fieet, 220. 



Tennessee, settlement of, 382. 

Tompkins. D. D. elected Vice President, 858;»i 
re-elected, 377. ^' 

Union of New England Colonies, 49; pro 
posed by the British ministry, 120. 

Virginia, rebellion in, 55: spirited conduct 
of, during the revolution, 151. 

Vermont, settlement of, 265. 

Victory, naval, of the Constitution, 324' 
of the Wasp, 327 ; of the U. States, 327 ; 
of the Constitution, 328; Hornet, 330; 
Enterprise, 334 ; Perry's fleet, 334 ; Pea- 
cock, 343: Macdonough's fleet, 346; Con- 
stitution, .338; Hornet, 339. 

War, Pequot, 38; Phi'ip's war, 48; King 
William's, 8J ; Q,ueen Anne's, 92 ; George 
II. 104; French and Indian, 116; Revo- 
lutionary, 147; Indian, 268; Tripolitan, 
300, with G.Britain, 321; Seminole, 368. 

William, Prince of Orange, accession of, 
62. 

Witchcraft, account of, 77. 

Williams, Rev. Mr. story of, 93. 

White, Col. John, extraordinary enterprise 
of, 202. 

Wolfe, Gen. death of, 137. 

W'higs and tories, explanation of, 159. 

Wooster, Gen. death of, 183. 

Wadsworth, Gen. story of, 210. 

Washington, George, expedition of, against 
the French, 118; appointed commander 
in chief, 165; organizes the army, 166; 
fortifies Dorchester Heights, 170; enters 
Boston, 170 ; removes his head quarters 
to New York, 177 : evacuates New York, 
and retires to White Plains, 178; retreat 
to Newark, &;c. and into Pennsylvania, 
179 ; recrosses into New Jersey, and takes 
1000 Hessians at Trenton, 182 ; distress- 
ing situation of, 219 ; attempt of, to take 
Arnold, 993 ; plan of, to attack New 
York, 935 ; goes towards Yorktown, 936; 
defeats Cornwallis, 237 ; farewell address 
of, to his army, 94i: to his officers, 242; 
resigns his commission, 242; retires to 
Mount Vernon, 243 ; elected president of 
convention, 258; elected President of V. 
States, 259: tour of, into New England, 
263; into the Southern Stales, 269; re- 
tires from public life, 283; appointed to 
command the American army under Ad 
ams, 291 ; death of, 29? 

Washington city, captar* of^ 343. 



GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES. 



SECOND EDITION. 



EMBRACING THEIK 



EXTENT AND BOUNDARIES, GOVERNMENT, COURTS AND LAWS, RE- 
LIGION, DIVISIONS, POPULATION, LANGUAGES, LITERATURE, COL- 
LEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES^ 
CANALS AND RAIL ROADS EXECUTED AND PROJECTED, NATIONAL 
ROADS, SOCIETY, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, ARTS, ARMY, NAVY, 
REVENUE, EXPENDITURE, PUBLIC DEBT, NATIONAL FUNDS, MINT, 
POST OFFICE, BANKS, CITIES, INT.AND NAVIGATION, INVENTIONS, 
MANUFACTURES, COMMERCE, NATURAL GEOGRAPHY, SOIL AND 
AGRICULTURE, BAYS, SOUNDS, CAPES, RIVERS, LAKES, MOUNTAINS, 
FORESTS, BOTANY, ZOOLOGY, MINERALOGY, MINERAL WATERS, 
AND NATURAL CURIOSITIES. '^ dli'^V 



BOSTON. 
MDCCCXXVIII. 



DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO VVIT : 

District Clerk^s Office. 
Bi IT KEMEUBERED, That On the third daT of November, A. D. 1827, and in the 
fifty-second year of the Independence of the United States of America, Samuel G. 
Ooedricb, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right 
Whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to icit .- 

" A Geographical View of the United States." 

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United Slates, entitled, " An Act for the 
encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to th« 
kuthors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned •," and also 
to an act, entitled, " An Act supplementary to an act, entitled. An Act for the encour- 
agement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authori 
»nd proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the 
Iwnefits tjiereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other 

'""" " JNO. W. DAVIS, 

Cl*rk of the District of MassathMtett* . 



GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES. 



EXTENT AND BOUNDARIES. 

The territory claimed by the United States extends from th« 
25th to the 49th parallel of north latitude, and from the 67th to 
the 124th degree of east longitude from London. Its extreme 
length, from the Pacific Ocean to Passamaquoddy Bay, is 2780 
English miles ; its greatest breadtli, from the shore of Louis- 
iana to the River La Pluie, is 1300 miles ; and its area about 
2,-300,000 square miles. On the east, it is bounded by the At- 
lantic Ocean. On the north-east, a conventional line divides 
it from New Brunswick, extending from Passamaquoddy Bay 
northward to the 48th parallel, embracing the head waters of 
the River St. John; of part of which tract, however, the British 
dispute the right of possession. From this extreme northern 
point, the boundary line passes along the ridge of mountains 
south-westward to the 45th parallel, and then along this parallel 
till it strikes the St. Lawrence 120 miles below Lake Ontario. 
It then follows the river and chain of Lakes Erie, St. Clair, 
Huron, and Superior, proceeding from the last by the course 
of the River La Pluie to the 95th degree of west longitude, from 
which point it passes along the 49th parallel to the Rocky 
Mountains. On the west side of the mountains, the Americans 
have an unquestioned claim to the country from the 42d to the 
49th parallel ; and a more doubtful claim, which is disputed by 
Russia, to the country from the 49th to the 60th parallel. On 
tlie south, the territories of the republic are bounded by the 
Gulf of Mexico; and on the south-west, the boundary ex- 
tends, in a zigzag line, from the mouth of the River Sabine to 
a point in the Rocky Mountains, in north latitude 42", and in 
west longitude 108°, from which it passes along the 42d parallel 
to the Pacific Ocean. The Mississippi divides into two parts, 
very nearly equal, this vast region, which greatly surpasses in 
extent the Macedonian, Roman, or Chinese empires. 

GOVERNMENT. 

The government of the United States, local and general, 
grew naturally out of the old colonial charters, which were 
founded on the constitutional law of England. The principles, 



4 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

therefore, of those harmonious and beautiful republican institu- 
tions, of which America is justly proud, are the patrimonial gift 
of England; bHt it cannot be denied that the wisdom of Ameri- 
can statesmen, and the free spirit of the people, have devel- 
oped these principles more fully, raised those institutions to a 
degree hitherto unexampled, and realized a system of polity 
more economical, orderly, and rational, and more conducive to 
human improvement, to national prosperity and happiness, than 
any that has yet existed in the world. It affords, indeed, an 
encouraging view of the future fortunes of mankind, to observe 
how much more surely men are conducted to sound conclu- 
aions, on all questions of practical importance, by the general 
progress of knowledge, and the instinct of self-interest operat- 
ing in society at large, than by the speculations of the philoso- 
pher. Plato, Sir Thomas More, Harrington, and Hume, have 
all exerted their ingenuity in framing a plan for a perfect com- 
monwealth, in vvliich the fullest measure of liberty should be 
conjoined with order, justice, and good government, and pure 
morality in private life. But what they looked upon almost as 
an ideal good, rather to be desired than hoped for, and what 
they merely endeavoured to approach to, by an apparatus the 
most refined and complicated, by institutions calculated to force 
nature, and by impracticable schemes of moral discipline, has 
been realized, to an extent far beyond their hopes, by mecha- 
nism infinitely more simple and natural than what they propos- 
ed, and infinitely more certain and constant in its operation. 

The legislative power in the United States is separated into 
two branches, and the government is therefore two-fold. To 
the state government is committed that branch which relates 
to the regulation of internal concerns. These bodies make and 
alter the laws which regard property and private rights, regu- 
late the police, appoint the judges and civil officers, impose 
taxes for state purposes, and exercise all other rights and 
powers not vested in the federal government by positive enact- 
ment. To the federal government belongs the power of making 
peace and war with foreign nations, raising and supporting an 
army and navy, fixing the organization of the militia, imposing 
taxes for the conunon defence or benefit of the Union, borrow- 
ing money, coining money, fixing the standard of weights and 
measures, establishing post offices and post roads, granting pat- 
ents for inventions, and exclusive copyrights to authors, regu- 
lating commerce with foreign nations, establishing uniform 
bankrupt laws, and a uniform rule of naturalization, and, lastly, 
the federal tribunals judge of felonies and piracies cominitted 
on the high seas, of offences against the law of nations, and of 
questions between tlie citizens of different states. It ia re- 
markable that, though the powers of the federal and local gov- 
ernments necessarily interfere in some points, it is very rare 
that any contest or collision has arisen out of this circumstance. 
The foundation of this harmony obviously is, that both congress 
and the state legislatures are merely the organs of the same 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 6 

universal interest, — that of the people, — and have no independent 
existence. Were the power in both cases in the hands of oli- 
garchies, who held it in despite of the people, and for their pri- 
vate emolument, there would be quarrels and disputes in abun- 
dance. 

In the United States, the sovereignty resides not figurative- 
ly, but really, in the mass of the people. From them all power 
emanates, and to them the highest functionary, as well as the 
lowest, feels that he is amenable for his acts. The humblest 
individual assists by delegation in forming the laws under which 
he lives, disposes by his vote of the highest office in the state, 
and may obtain it himself if he can gain the confidence of his 
fellow-citizens. The people at large are daily in the exercise 
of political functions, and every one, who holds a place of trust, 
derives his authority either directly from popular suffrage, or 
from persons who ov>?e their power to the people's choice, and 
are responsible to them for the use they make of it. Some- 
thing approacliing to this, in a distant degree, may be found in 
the British constitution; but it may be safely said, that the 
American government is the first which has ever been fairly 
bottomed on the broad principle of the sovereignty of the 
people. 

In the earlier constitutions of several of the states, the right 
of suffrage was confined to persons possessing freeholds, or 
some small property ; but experience seems to have decided in 
favour of a broader principle. In the new states, the right of 
suffrage may be described as universal, being extended to all 
who pay taxes, (slaves excepted ;) and in the amended constitu- 
tions of most of the old states, the same rule has been adopted. 
The mode of voting at elections is generally by ballot. 

The federal government of the United States consists of a 
president, a senate, and a house of representatives. The presi- 
dent is chosen for four years, by delegates elected for this pur- 
pose by the people, and equal in number, for each state, to the 
members it sends to congress. The vice-president is elected 
in the same manner, and for the same period ; but both are gen- 
erally elected for four years more, and so serve eight years. 
The president is commander-in-chief of the army and navy, and 
of the militia when in active service. He grants reprieves and 
pardons for offences against the Unite.d States, except in cases 
of impeachment. With the advice and concurrence of tlie 
senate, he makes treaties, nominates ambassadors, consuls and 
judges ; and he appoints several other officers by his own au- 
thority. He must be a native born citizen, not under thirty-five 
years of age, and he receives a salary of 25,000 dollars per 
annum. 

The senate consists of forty-eight members, namely, two for 
each state, who are chosen, not by the people, but by the legis- 
latures of the several states, and hold their offices for six years, 
one third of the members being removed every two years. A 
•eliator must be thirty years of age, an inhabitant of the state 
1* 



♦» 



6 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

for which he is chosen, and he must have been a citizen of the 
United States for nine years. 

The house of representatives consists of 212 members, (1824,) 
who are chosen for two years, by the persons who elect the 
corresponding branches of the state legislatures, that is, with 
some few exceptions, by the mass of the adult population. The 
representatives are distributed among the states, in the propor- 
tion of one for every 40,000 inhabitants, excluding the Indians, 
and two-fifths of the people of colour. Even free persons of 
colour, however, have no vote, except in one or two states. A 
representative must be twenty-five years of age, an inhabitant 
of the state for which he is chosen, and he must have been a 
citizen of the United States for seven years. Senators and 
representatives receive an allowance of eight dollars per day 
for the time they attend the session of congress, and eight dol- 
lars of travelling charges, for every twenty miles they have to 
travel in going and returning. Members of congress take an 
oath to support the constitution, but no religious test is re- 
quired from them or any person holding office under the federal 
government. Senators and representatives vacate their places 
if they accept of an office under government, and are not re- 
eligible while they hold it. 

COURTS AND LAWS. 

The federal judiciary consists of a supreme court, which sits 
at Washington, and a district court in each state, in which 
one judge sits. In the supreme court there is a chief judge 
and six associate judges, who hold their office during good be- 
haviour. This court has original jurisdiction in all cases af- 
fecting ambassadors and consuls, and those in which a state is 
a party. It has appellate jurisdiction in all cases arising under 
the federal constitution, in all admiralty cases, in controversies 
between two states, or two citizens of different states, and be- 
tween a state or citizens thereof, and foreign states or subjects. 
The supreme court, deriving its authority from the constitu- 
tion, exercises a power not enjoyed by the inferior courts. It 
has refused to give effect to, and by that means has virtually 
annulled several acts of the state legislatures, and even of con- 
gress itself, on the ground that these acts, by " impairing the 
obligation of contracts," violated a rule made binding by the 
constitution on legislative bodies. The federal judges are ap- 
pointed by the executive, with the approbation of the senate. 
Tn this and the other federal courts, jurors and witnesses are 
allowed one dollar twenty-five cents per day, and five cents per 
mile of travelling charges. The basis of the system of law in 
the United States is the common law of England, modified by 
ACts of the general and state governments, which constitute the 
toritten law ; and the works not only of Coke and Blackstone, 
but of the most recent English writers, and even the latest 
Term Reports, are familiarly cited in the courts. 

The circuit courts do tlie most important part of the business 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 7 

in the national courts, their jurisdiction comprehending all civil 
cases exceeding 500 dollars in value, as vi^ell as criminal cases. 
They sit twice in a year in each state, and are composed of a 
district judge and one of the judges of the supreme court. But 
either of the two judges may sit alone, if the other be absent. 

RELIGION. 

It was reserved for the lawgivers of the United States to 
make the bold experiment of dispensing with a state religion. 
In New Hampshire the legislature is empowered to authorize, 
and in Massachusetts the legislature is enjoined to require the 
several towns and parishes to make adequate provision, at their 
own expense, for the support of Protestant ministers. But in 
all the other twenty-two states, the support of religion is left en- 
tirely to the voluntary zeal of its professors. The result has 
shown that Christianity has a firm hold in the nature of man, 
and is rather injured than served by those costly establishments, 
which so often sxtinguish or abridge free inquii-y or liberty of 
conscience, engender fierce animosities among rival sects, per- 
petuate the errors and dogmas of unenlightened times, and de- 
grade religion into an empire of civil tyranny, or the ally of 
ignorance or imposture. In the large towns and populous places 
of New England, New York and Pennsylvania, religious in- 
struction is more faithfully and abundantly dispensed, and reli- 
gious ordinances are more strictly and universally observed, 
than in any other country in the world. To this advantage we 
may add that of the peace and harmony that reigns among the 
different religious communities, and the entire absence of those 
jealousies, bickerings and heart burnings, which the exaltation 
of a single sect so invariably creates. In the new-settled dis- 
tricts, where a small population is spread over a wide surface, 
the means of religious instruction are often deficient, and must 
be so, even were the wealth of an establishment expended in 
p»roviding for them. 

The most numerous sects are the Congregationalists, or In- 
dependents, Baptists and Methodists. The Congregationalists 
abound chiefly in New England, and have about 1200 congre- 
gations. The Baptists, who are most lianierous in the Middle, 
Southern and Western States, had 2727 churches in 1817, and 
have now about .3000 ; but as their congregations in New Eng- 
land are estimated by Dr. Morse only at 250 persons each, while 
those of the Congregationalists average about 1000, the latter 
are probably more numerous upon the whole. The Methodists, 
who abound most in the Southern and Western States, have 
about 2000 congregations, and display a very active proselyting 
spirit. The Presbyterians, whose principal strength lies in the 
Middle States, have about 900 congregations, which are classed 
into presbyteries and synods. The Associate Reformed or 
American Burghers, have about 100 churches, and the Asso- ■ 
ciate Synod, or Anti-burghers, about 50 ; but there is a ten- 



S GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

dency in both these sects to coalesce with the Presbyterians. 
The Dutch Reformed Church, confined to New York and New 
Jersey, has about 200 churches. The Episcopalians had 600 
churches, and 346 clergymen, in 1822, chiefly in the Middle and 
Southern States. They are governed by a convention consist- 
ing of two houses. The Catholics, who are not nimierous any 
where but in Maryland, are estimated by Dr. Morse to amount 
to 75,000. The Quakers have about 190 congregations, chiefly 
in the Middle States. The Moravians, Universalists, Hunno- 
nists, Cameronians, and other sects, have each a few churches ; 
and the Jews have synagogues at New York, Newport, Phila- 
delphia, Charleston and Savannah. The whole number of 
churches, or religious societies, in the United States, is probably 
not under 900, or one for each 11,000 inhabitants. 

The duties of a clergyman in the United States are labo- 
rious, and in a part the pay arises from pew rents and voluntary 
contributions, sometimes from small glebes, fixed funds, or land. 
It is seldom so large as to prove a temptation to the worldly- 
minded ; but it is generally sufficient to support the clergymen 
respectably. For slender emoluments, the Americans secure 
the services of a body of moral, faithful, diligent and well-edu- 
cated clergymen. 

DIVISIONS. 

The American Federation embraces at present (1827) tivenly- 
four distinct states, each ruled by its own government; three 
territories, in which civil governments are established without 
constitutions ; and three other territories, yet unoccupied by a 
civilized population. 

If we attend to the distinctions which exist in these various 
states and territories, founded on their physical circumstances, 
or the pursuits and character of the people, we may class them 
into four grand groups: First, New England, embracing the 
six states east of the Hudson. Second, the Middle States, in- 
cluding New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and 
Maryland, in which the agricultural character is united with, 
and qualified by the commercial. Thirdly, the Southern States, 
including Virginia and all the maritime country to the Missis- 
sippi, where the amount of commerce is comparatively small, 
where slaves are numerous, and the husbandmen are generally 
planters. Fourth, the Western States, in the basin of the Ohio, 
enjoying the best soil and climate in the United States, where 
there are few slaves, and where the character of the people 
is almost purely agricultural. 

A parallelogram, 60 miles in breadth, extending westerly 
from the Delaware to the Susquehannah, 70 mUes, is by far the 
most densely peopled portion of the United States, and is equally 
prominent for its wealth, its agriculture, manufactures, and do- 
mestic commerce. 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 



POPULATION. 

The population of the United States, in 1790, was 3,929,326 ,• 
in 1800, 5,305,666 ; in 1810, 7,239,903 ; and in 1820, 9,625,734 ; 
of whom 1,531,436 were slaves, and 233,398 free blacks. The 
population increases very regularly at the rate of about 3 per 
cent, per annum, doubling in less than 25 years. The inhabi- 
tants consist of whites, negroes and Indians. The negroes are 
generally slaves, and are principally confined to the states south 
of Pennsylvania and the River Ohio. All the whites are of Eu- 
ropean origin ; principally English. The New Englanders, Vir- 
ginians and Carolinians are almost purely English. Next to 
tlie English are the Germans, who are very numerous in the 
Middle States, particularly Pennsylvania. Next to the Germans 
are the Dutch, who are most numerous in New York. The 
French constitute nearly half of the population of Louisiana. 
Tlie Irish and Scotch are found in the Middle States, in the 
back parts of Virginia, and in all the principal cities in the 
Union. Very little is known about the Indians west of the 
Mississippi. The four principal tribes on the east of the Mis- 
sissippi are the Creeks, Choctaws, Cherokees and Chickasaws. 
Tliese tribes live within the chartered limits of Georgia, Ala- 
bama, Mississippi and Tennessee. 

LANGUAGES. 

The English language is almost universally spoken. All 
records are kept in it throughout the country, and all public 
business transacted. The German, Dutch, Swedish, Irish, 
Welsh and French are spoken more or less, and in all of them 
public worship is in some place or other regularly performed. 
The German is spoken very extensively in Pennsylvania, and in 
parts of New York. Dutch is spoken by numbers in New York 
and New Jersey, and by a few in Pennsylvania. Swedish is 
spoken by a few in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
The Irish, in and near Philadelphia, and the interior of Penn- 
sylvania, in considerable numbers, retain their native language. 
A few Welsh settlements are scattered over the Middle States. 
French and Spanish, the former more generally, are taught in 
IJie large towns, and spoken, as their vernacular dialect by 
many occasional residents, and by a few of the settled inhabi- 
tants. 

The English of the Middle States, owing to the influx of for- 
eigners, is generally less pure than that of the Northern or 
Southern States. The pronunciation of English gentlemen, 
where it has not been corrupted by the stage, differs imper- 
ceptibly from the pronunciation of New England. 

LITERATURE. 
The growth of a native literature in the United States has 
been impeded by several causes. First, the number of well- 
educated persons, living in idleness, who cultivate taste, and en- 



10 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

courage its cultivation in others, is comparatively small. Sec- 
ondly, the universal addiction to gainful pursuits, and the 
striking success which repays them, dishearten persons from 
engaging in occupations that do not afford emolument. But, 
thirdly, by far the greater impediment is the existence of the 
more advanced literature of England, in the very language of 
the country. Though the political connexion has ceased, the 
United States, in what regards literature, may, perhaps, be con- 
sidered nearly as much a province of Britain as Yorkshire or 
Ireland. So long as British writers furnish the standard by 
which transatlantic works are tried, native American writers 
will not receive justice ; and while American publishers can im- 
port and reprint, without risk or expense, works already stamp- 
ed with the approbation of British critics, and the British pub- 
lic, they will feel the less inclined to engage in the doubtful 
and hazardous speculation of publishing the original products of 
American genius. Besides, the appetite for knowledge, and 
tlie sort of amusement which reading affords, like the desire 
for clothes and luxuries, requires a certain, and only a certain 
supply ; and in the one case, as in the otlier, when the article 
can be cheaply imported, the native' manufacture is discouraged. 
America, however, is rapidly acquiring a literature of her own ; 
and the productions of her press already begin to attract atten- 
tion in Europe. 

In one department of literature, of an humble, indeed, but most 
useful description, the United States stand unrivalled. We al- 
lude to their periodical and newspaper press. There were but 
seven papers published in the United States in 1750 ; but in 
1810, there were 359, including 25 published daily, which cir- 
culated 22,200,000 copies in the year. In 1823 they had in- 
creased to the astonishing number of 598, and the number of 
copies circulated in the year by these journals probably exceeds 
thirty millions. In the British Isles, in 1821, with twenty mil- 
lions of people, the number of newspapers was estimated to be 
284, and the copies printed annually, 23,600,000. The whole 
of continental Europe, containing 160 millions of inhabitants, 
where the press is chained down by royal and priestly jealousy, 
certainly does not support half the number of journals which 
exist in the United States alone. They are superficial observers, 
who attach a small importance to this humble branch of litera- 
ture. Though, perhaps, none of the American papers equal the 
best of those published in London, the periodical press of the 
United States, taken altogether, is the most powerful engine for 
diffusing mercantile, political and general information, for 
stimulating activity, and acting on the minds and morals of the 
people, which has ever existed in any country. No duty is paid, 
either on the papers themselves, or on the advertisements they 
publish, and they are circulated with immense rapidity, and at 
a trifling expense for transportation, to every portion of th« 
Union. 



or THE UNITED STATES. 1% 

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. 

There are about thirty colleges or universities in the United 
States, of which Harvard and Yale are' the most celebrated ; 
but most of these are less perfect than the kindred establish- 
ments in Europe ; and classical and scientific education is ge- 
nerally in a much lower state. Harvard University, in Massa- 
chusetts, has fifteen literary, and six medical professors, and 
generally from 300 to 400 students. The three terms amount 
to nine months in a year, and the vacations to three ; the aca- 
demical course is completed in four years. Among the theolo- 
gians of this university, Socinianism is almost universally preva- 
lent. — Yale College, in Connecticut, is less richly endowed than 
Harvard, but enjoys an equal reputation. The faculty consists 
of a president, nine professors, four medical examiners, and six 
tutors. The students, except those whose parents live in the 
town, board within the college. At this seminary the advan- 
tages of the English and Scottish systems are, to a considerable 
extent, combined. The scope for original discussion and ele- 
gance of illustration, which lecturing affords, is connected with 
the more laborious and effective discipline of tutors and exami- 
nations : the students are not considered as passive recipi- 
ents of knowledge, but are stimulated to the active exercise of 
their own powers. All the classes are subjected to a rigorous 
examination twice a year; and these examinations, with the 
numerous exercises prescribed, and the severe discipline en- 
forced, drive away the laggard and disorderly members, and 
ensure a respectable proficiency in those who receive degrees 
at the end of the fourth year. This college had 412 students 
in 1820. Most of the other universities and colleges are or- 
ganized on the same principles. 

RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

The principal religious and benevolent societies are, the 
American Bible Society, whose sole object is to publish and cir- 
culate the Bible without note or comment ; — the American Colo- 
nization Society, whose object is to colonize the free people of 
colour of the United States ; (a colony has already been plant- 
ed on the west coast of Africa, south of Sierra Leone ;) — the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, whose 
object is to convert the heathen to Christianity, and who 
have missionary stations and missionaries, at Bombay and Cey- 
lon, in India ; in Palestine ; at the Sandwich Islands ; and 
among the Cherokee and Choctaw Indians in the United States ; 
— the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, who have missionaries 
in the Birman empire, and among the American Indians ; — the 
American Tract Society, whose object is to distribute religious 
tracts in the United States and foreign countries ; — the Ameri- 
can Sabbath- School Union, designed to assist in the establish* 
nient of Sabbath schools on the most approved plan. There aie 



12 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

education soeitties among the Congregationalists, Presbyterians 
ajid Baptists, designed to assist indigent young men in prepar- 
ing for the Christian ministry. The American Bible Society 
and the American Tract Society have their seat in New York, 
the American and Baptist Boards of Foreign Missions in Bos- 
ton, the Colonization Society in Washington, the Sunday School 
Union in Philadelphia. In 1816 an Asylum for the Deaf and 
Dumb was established at Hartford, Connecticut, under the pa- 
tronage of the United States government, and is a very useful 
and flourishing institution. 

CANALS EXECUTED AND PROJECTED. 

The principal canals in the United States are, 1. the Middle- 
sex Canal, which connects Merrimac River with Boston har- 
bour ; — 2. the Champlain Canal, which connects Lake Cham- 
plain with the Hudson ;— 3. the Erie Canal, connecting Lake 
Erie with the Hudson ; — 4. the canal which connects Chesa- 
peake Bay with Albemarle Sound ; — 5. the Santee Canal, 
which coimects Santee River with Charleston harbour. The 
first of these canals brings the trade of the interior of New 
Hampshire to Boston. The second wiU bring that of the coun- 
try on Lake Champlain to the city of New York. The third 
will bring that of a large section of the western country to the 
same city. The fourth brings that of the north-eastern part of 
North Carolina to Norfolk. The fifth brings the trade of the 
western part of North Carolina to the city of Charleston. 

The most important canals now in progress, but not yet exe- 
cuted, are, 1. the Farmington Canal, which is to connect the 
Connecticut River at Northampton with New Haven harbour in 
Connecticut; — 2. the Hudson and Delaware Canal, which com- 
mences near Kingston, on the Hudson, and is to proceed in a 
south-easterly direction to the Delaware ; — 3. Union Canal, 
which unites the Schuylkill, at Reading, with the Susquehan- 
nah, below Harrisburgh ; — 4. Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, 
across the isthmus which separates the Chesapeake and Dela- 
ware Bays ; — 5. Louisriille and Portland Canal, around the Falls 
of the Ohio at Louisville ; — 6. Ohio and Erie Canal, from the 
Ohio, at the mouth of the Scioto, to Cleaveland on Lake Erie ; — 
7. Miami Canal, from Dayton on the Miami River to Cin- 
cinnati. 

The principal canals seriously contemplated, but not yet 
commenced, are, 1. a canal from the Raritan River to the Del- 
aware, through which sloops may pass from New York to Phil- 
adelphia ; — 2. a canal around the Falls of Niagara, through 
which sloops may pass Lake Erie to Lake Ontario; — 3. the 
Florida canal, across the northern part of FloridsL, from the At- 
lantic to the Gulf of Me.xico, by which sloops wiU avoid the 
long and dangerous navigation around the peninsula ; — 4. a 
canal for boats from the tide waters of the Chesapeake to Lake 
Erie ; — 5. a canal from Lake Michigan to Illinois River. 



OP THE UNITED STATES. IS 

KAIL ROADS EXECUTED AND PROJECTED. 

LiLllc is yet known of rail roads in America ; but the enter- 
prising Bpirit of the people has led them to engage in the pro- 
ject of thus uniting distant portions of their country. 

A company has been chartered to construct a rail road from 
Baltimore to the Ohio, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, 
and surmounting an elevation of three thousand feet. 

There is also a rail road projected from Boston across the 
rountry to Albany, thus uniting those important cities, and giv- 
ing a more ready communication between the metropolis of 
iNew England and the greatest commercial city on this side the 
Atlantic. 

NATIONAL ROADS. 

Probably no people ever made so many improvements in roads, 
bridges and canals, over such an extent of country, in the eain*; 
^)me, as the United States. Two centuries ago, the whole trar t 
was a wilderness, covered over with forests, and traversed only by 
the footpaths of the Indians. Now, there are roads con.striu.tCil 
in every direction, to connect the villages, towns and cities, wJiich 
have sprung up in rapid succession. In 1790 the extent of post 
roads was only 1875 miles ; in 1818 it was 51,600. The nuiribc 
<;f post offices exceeds 4000, and the mail is transported 20,000 
miles daily. To describe all our roads would require an enu- 
meration of all the principal settlements in the country. A 
large number are public roads, constructed and supported by 
the towns through which they pass ; but the great roads ar-i 
generally turnpikes, constructed by the state or incorporate 
bodies, and supported by tolls. 

The most important post road of the United States is that 
which traverses the states on the Atlantic, a distance of 180( 
miles, passing through all the prificipal towns, from Robbius- 
rown in Maine to Florida. The principal roads from the Atlan- 
tic to the Western States, are the great western turnpike of 
New York, from Albany to Buffalo and Erie ; the road from 
Philadelphia, through Lancaster, to Pittsburgh ; and the Cum- 
berland road, from Washington city to Wheeling, on the Ohio 
River. The latter was constructed at the expense of the gene- 
ral government, and is probably the best road over the moun- 
tains. Other roads, of less importance, cross the Alleghany 
Ridge in Virginia and North Carolina ; and the state of South 
Carolina has recently opened a road across the mountains to 
Tennessee. A military road has been opened by General Jack- 
son, at the expense of the United States, from Nashville in 
Tennessee to Madisonville on Lake Pontchartrain, opposite to 
New Orleans. It may be travelled by wagons. A branch 
leads from this road to Natchez, through the wilderness inhabit- 
ed by the Choctaw Indians. 
2 



14 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 



SOCIETY, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

Society, manners and customs differ so much in different part!? 
of the United States, that no general description would be ap- 
plicable to the whole. Indeed, one might almost as well attempt 
to include in any general description the various countries of 
Europe as the United States of America; for although a uniform 
system of government produces many prominent features of a 
common character in all the members of this great confedera- 
tion, yet the wide range of climate embraced by its limits, the 
great variety of habits, objects and feelings, and especially of 
political and religious sentiments, which prevailed among the 
first settlers of these several states, the diversified pursuits and 
occupations of the present inhabitants, the admission and pro- 
scription of slavery, and a thousand other circumstances, have 
contributed to establish the most marked distinctions, and often 
to present the most striking contrasts, between the several sec- 
•tions of the Union. The government is of the several states and 
of the Union are elective and popular. Every officer and ma- 
gistrate is appointed, directly or indirectly, by the people. 
They pass every law, propose every measure, form every treaty, 
and dispose of all public property, by themselves or by those 
whom they elect to office. The effect of this state of things on 
public men has been, on the one hand, to check the pride of 
place and the insolence of office ; and, on the other, to persuade 
many of them to calumny, flattery, intrigue and falsehood. Its 
effect on the community at large has been to inspire, on the one 
hand, a high sense of personal independence, and a jealous care 
of national freedom ; and, on the other, to impair the necessary 
distinctions in society, and put all men on a level ; to give im- 
portance to mere numbers, and take it away from intelligence 
and worth ; to show us, in a word, that there is no perfection 
under the sun. 

In the Eastern States, property is more equally distributed 
than in any other country. Religion, here, also, except in 
Rhode Island, is, and always has been, supported by law. At 
present, not far from 2000 clergymen, generally well informed 
and orthodox, and all chosen by the people themselves, are 
weekly and daily employed in enlightening and informing their 
congregations. Schools are established within every little dis- 
tance, and a grown person, a native of these states, can scarcely 
be found, who has not some acquaintance with reading, writing 
and arithmetic. The inhabitants universally live in villages or 
towns of a moderate size, and have no overgrown capital, in 
which to learn profligacy of manners. The great body of them 
are farmers. These circumstances have given these states 
very much the manners and morals of Scotland. 

In the Middle States, religion is not supported by law, and 
there are fewer clergymen in proportion to the population.. 
Schools are not as numerous, or as well directed, and a consid- 
erabxe number of the inhabitants are unable to read or write. 



••^'\ 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 15 

Property is less equally distributed ; and the people are more 
divided, as in Europe, into rich and poor. Extensive tracts have 
been lately settled, and still experience all the disadvantages 
attendant on new settlements. The original settlers came over 
at different times, and for different purposes ; belonged to dif- 
ferent nations, and spoke many different languages. They were 
not generally enlightened ; had no oneness of interests or views ; 
pursued no system of institutions ; and formed no settled habits. 
The English, Germans, Dutch, French and Irish, still retain, 
in a degree, their national languages, prejudices, virtues and 
vices. They have settled generally by themselves, have little 
intercourse with each other, and little inclination or opportunity 
to form a common character. There are two large cities in 
these states, and the smaller towns are too prone to ape city 
manners and city life. The slaves are not sufficiently numerous 
to have any material influence on the character of the people. 
The body of the inhabitants live on scattered farms, and culti- 
vate their own lands. The elections are very corrupt ; indi- 
viduals acquire undue influence. Individuals and families are 
found, however, scattered in great numbers, over all this divis- 
ion, distinguished for their intelligence, their piety, their re- 
finement, and their worth — men who would be among the best 
citizens of any country. The state of New York, in consequence 
of the numerous emigrations from the Eastern States, is be- 
coming more and more assimilated to them in her institutions 
and manners. 

In the Southern States, also, religion is not supported by law, 
and large portions of the inhabitants enjoy no regular stated 
preaching. They live chiefly on plantations, and have generally 
been provided with schools. Considerable numbers of the white 
inhabitants cannot read. Labour is generally done, on the 
coast, by slaves and by the poor. The division of the inhab- 
itants into rich and poor is as in many countries of Europe. 
Slavery has tended to corrupt the public morals, and has pro- 
duced other bad effects. The slaves, with few exceptions, are 
treated with humanity and kindness. Duelling is here common. 
Horse-racing and cock-fighting, particularly the former, are 
favourite amusements. Many of the inhabitants, however, far 
from possessing this character, or practising these vices, hold 
them in abhorrence. The ladies, also, ahnost universally de- 
serve the esteem of all those who know how to value delicacy 
and amiable manners. 

ARTS. 

The state of the arts corresponds to that of the literature of 
the United States. In the mechanic arts, and in painting, en- 
graving, and architecture, among the fine arts, there is as much 
native genius in the United States as in any part of the world ; 
and this genius, for the last few years, has been cultivated to a 
very considerable extent, and in some instances has rivalled the 
most splendid exhibition of it in the old world. 



16 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

ARMY. 
A standing army is necessarily an object of jealousy in a re- 
publican state ; and as the United States have no formidable 
enemy in their vicinity, and are at the same time extremely 
studious of economy in all branches of their government, their 
military force has always been kept on a very low scale. By au 
act of congress of 3d March, 1815, the strength of the regular 
army was fixed at 9980 men, viz. eight battalions of artillery, 
3200 men ; one regiment light artillery, (5<J0 ; eight regiments 
of infantry, 5440 ; and one regiment of riflemen, 680. In 1821 
it was reduced to 6442 men, whose pay, clothing, &e. cost the 
states 1,927,179 dollars, or 299 dollars for each individual, offi- 
cers and privates. And in March, 1822, its strength, as reported 
to congress, was as follows : 

Engineers 23 

Four regiments of artillery 1977 

Seven do. infantry 33G7 

Ordnance men 53 



o 



420 



The militia, which constitutes the principal military force of 
the United States, consists of all the males between the age of 
eighteen and forty-five. According to a return made in the end 
of 1823, it amounted to 993,281 men. The American militia, 
as we have already stated, elect their own officers. When 
called into the field of actual service, they have the same pay 
and allowance as the regular army, but are only bound to serve 
for six months. 

NAVY. 

The navy of the United States is small in point of numerical 
strength, but is perhaps the best organized and most efficient in 
the world. The unexpected and astonishing success of their 
frigates in combat with British vessels of the sarne class during 
the last war, established at once the reputation of the American 
navy for skill and prowess, in the eyes of Europe ; and the 
United States, with a very few ships, already rank high as a 
naval power. From 1816 to 1821 one million of dollars was 
expended annually in building ships of war. Since 1821 the 
sum thus appropriated has been reduced one half. A few ships 
are always kept in commission, and stationed partly in the West 
Indies, partly in the Mediterranean, — to keep in check the Bar- 
bary powers, — and partly in the Pacific. In November, 1823, the 
irtrength of the American navy was as follows : 

In commission. In ordinary. Building 

^ips of the line 1 . . 6 . . 5 

Frigates 3 . . 4 . . 5 

Smaller vessels 12 . . 2 

Steam frigates . ^ 3 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 17 

This is exclusive of the vessels on the lakes, which consist of 
two of 74 guns, one of 44, one of 36, one of 32, one of 26, two 
of 24, eleven smaller vessels, and fourteen gun-boats ; some 
being unfinished, and others considerably decayed. 

REVENUE, (1824.) 

Customs $16,500,000 

Public lands 1,600,000 

Bank dividends 350,000 

Arrears and repayments 100,000 

$18,550,000 

EXPENDITURE. 

Civil, diplomatic and miscellaneous .... $1,814,057 
Military department, including fortifications, 
ordnance, pensions, army, militia and Indian 

department ^ 5,122,268 

Naval service, including gradual increase of navy 2,973,927 
Public debt 5,314,000 

$15,224,252 

The average produce of the customs may be estimated at from 
16,000,000 to 18,000,000 dollars, and the sum derived from the 
sale of public lands, at 1,600,000. The bank dividends consist of 
the interest of 7,000,000 dollars capital, vested by the govern- 
ment in the national bank. The post office yields about a mil- 
lion of dollars a year, which is wholly consumed in supporting the 
establishment. The entire revenue of the United States may 
be estimated, on an average, at four millions, or four millions 
and a quarter sterling, or eighteen millions to eighteen and a 
half millions dollars ; and the annual expense of the government, 
under the three heads of civil, military and naval, at ten millions 
dollars. This is at the rate of one dollar per annum for each 
inhabitant. If we add one dollar more for the sums levied by 
the state governments, the whole expense of the American gov- 
ernment will be at the rate of two dollars for each inhabitant. 

PUBLIC DEBT. 

The debt of the United States consists of sums borrowed dur- 
ing the revolutionary war, and at various subsequent periods. 
The debt due by the federal government, at the close of the war 
in 1783, was 42,000,375 dollars. No provision being made for 
the payment of the interest, and the public revenue often falling 
short of the expenditure, the debt continued to increase, and in 
1790 it amounted to 79,124,464 dollars. Various measures 
were taken for its liquidation, but with little effect, till about the 
middle of Mr. Jefferson's administration, in 1805. From that 
period a gradual reduction took place, till it was stopped by the 
war with England in 1812. 
2* 



18 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

In 1812 the amount of public debt was . . $45,035,123 

In consequence of the loans made during the 
war, it amounted, in 1816, to 123,016,375 

Considerable progress has since been made in 
paying off the debt, and on the 1st January, 
1824, it was reduced to 90,177,962 

And, by the operation of a balance accumula- 
ting in the treasury, on the 1st Jan. 1825, 
it amounted to about 80,000,000 

The duties of the customs are levied on foreign articles im- 
ported, and are partly ad valorem, and partly according to fixed 
rates. The duties on manufactured goods, of iron, cotton, and 
woollen, were from 20 to 30 per cent, but have been increased 
from a fifth to a fourth by a new tariff established in 1824. 

NATIONAL FUNDS. 

These consist of stock, custom-nouse bonds, lots in the city 
of Washington, and public lands. In 1810 the custom-house 
bonds amounted to $9,600,000. The total valuation of the whole 
United States in that year, by Blodget, was $2,519,009,090. 

The circulating mediam was calculated at from $15,000,000 
to $20,000,000 in specie. In 1813 the commissioners of the land 
office estimated the lands then belonging to the United States, 
east of the Mississippi, at 400,000,000 acres ; to 56,225,000 acres 
of which the Indian title had been extinguished. The quantity 
icest of the Mississippi cannot be (determined till our northern 
and western boundaries are settled. 

The total sales of lands north-west of Ohio, from the opening 
of the land offices, to September 30,. 1818, were 10,17.S - ' ' 6ll 
acres, for $21,545,797:45. The total sales in Mississippi and 
Alabama during the same period were 2,514,111 04 acres, for 
$7,950,660:31. The amount of the valuation of houses, lands 
and slaves, in all the states, in 1814-15, was $1,902,296,961:34, 
of which $270,639,737:17 was the estimated value of slaves — 
so much property in human flesh is held in the United States. 

The increase of property in the United States, in fifteen years, 
from 1799 to 1814, was $950,293,808. In the state of New 
York, the increase in this period was 175,000,000, and in Penn- 
sylvania, upwards of 240,000,000. The average value of land 
in the United States is about .$10 per acre. 



MINT. 
The mint was established in 1791. The purity of the silver 

nf ... 



coin is the same with that of Spain, and that of the gold coin 
with that of the strictest European nations. The amount of gold, 
silver and copper, coined in the year 1804, was, gold, $258,642 ; 
silver, $100,340 ; copper, $12,884:94 ; total, $371,826:94 ;— in 
1.810, gold, $476,555; silver, $638,773:50; copper, $16,140; 
total, $1,131,468:50. The gold coins are eagles, half eagles, 
quarter eagles and dollars ; the silver are dollars, half dollars, 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 19 

quarter dollars, dimes and half dimes ; the copper are cents 
and half cents. The denominations increase and decrease in a 
tenfold proportion. In ordinary computation, the only denomi- 
nations used arc dollars, cents and mills. These last are merely 
nominal. 

POST OFFICE. 

The amount of postage, from January 1, 1790, to Oct. 1, 1809, 
was $5,305,093 ; and the expenses of the establishment were 
$4,549,601:55 ; net proceeds, $755,492, in 19 years. For 
the succeeding seven years, to 1816, the income amounted to 
$729,826:19. The number of post offices in 1791 was 89 ; in 
1800—903; in 1810—2,300; in 1816—3,260; and in 1823— 
5,242. The mail is transported, in stages, each day in the year, 
10,121 miles ; and in sulkies and on horseback, each day in 
the year, 10,616 miles ; making 20,737 per day. If the post 
roads of the United States be divided into two distinct post routes, 
the mail will travel, each week, in stages, nearly equal to three 
times round the globe ; and divide all the post roads in the 
United States into four equal or distinct post routes, on which 
the mail is carried in stages, sulkies and on horseback, it will 
be equal to a travel of six times, each iveek, round the globe, 
averaging one post office for every fifteen miles of post road. 

The mail is transported, by a direct or corresponding line of 
stages, from Anson, in the state of Maine, through Washing- 
ton city, to Nashville, Tennessee, a distance of one thousand 
four hundred and forty-eight miles, in a south-eastern direction. 
The mail is transported, by a direct line of stages, from St. Ma- 
ry's, Georgia, to Highgate, in Vermont, through Washington 
city, a distance of one thousand three hundred and sixty-nine 
miles. The amount of postage in 1808 did not equal the ex- 
pense of the establishment. In 1815, the revenue of tlie post 
office was $294,944. 

BANKS. 

Banks are extremely numerous in the United States ; but the 
system of banking is bad. Of 400 of these establishments, which 
existed in 1818, a great proportion had little or no real capital, 
and were merely a sort of gambling speculations, got up by 
knots of adventurers, and supported for a time by local influence 
or artifice, but ultimately falling down, and spreading distress 
and ruin among the industrious classes. Two thirds or more of 
these banks stopped payment in the four years ending 1820, 
and the circulating medium, which, in 1815, was estimated at 
110,000,000 of dollars, was reduced by these failures to forty- 
five millions in 1819. The American banks generally issue 
notes for so small a sum as one dollar, and some of them have 
been accustomed to issue bills for fractional parts of that coin. 
To remedy the disorders arising from the unsound state of the 
currency, the national bank was instituted in 1816, with a capi- 
tal of 35,000,000 of dollars, divided into shares of 100 dollar^ 



20 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

each. Some peculiar privileges were bestowed on this bank, 
which has branches establislied in the principal cities of the 
Union ; but the value of its stock has fluctuated much ; and it 
has neither proffered nor supplied an efficient correction to the 
evils of the currency. 

A bank of the United States, which was incorporated in Feb- 
ruary, 1791, expired in March of 1811, congress refusing to re- 
new the charter. The capital was ten millions of dollars. Be- 
fore tliis event, the whole number of banks was ninety^five, and 
the amount of banking capital was estimated at fifty-five millions 
of dollars. 

CITIES. 

The principal cities in the United States, placed according to 
file population in 1820, are, Boston, 42,298 ; New York, 123,706 ; 
Philadelphia, 108,802 ; Baltimore, 62,738 ; Charleston, 24,780 ; 
,New Orleans, 27,176 ; Washington, 13,200. 

INLAND NAVIGATION. 

North America is penetrated by two great rivers, the Missis- 
sippi and the St. Lawrence, by which navigation is extended to 
a great distance into the interior. The St. Lawrence, however, 
is not claimed by the United States. 

The Mississippi and its branches drain the great central ba- 
sin, which lies between the Alleghany and Rocky Mountains. 
On tliis river the navigation, for boats of considerable burthen, 
extends to the Falls of St. Anthony. On the Missouri, which 
is the largest, and in fact the principal stream, it e.\tends to tlie 
Gates of the Rocky Mountains. 

From the character of the country, the numerous branches of 
these great rivers are generally navigable, and afford a passage 
from almost every part of the Western States, and the vast re- 
gions at the base of the Rocky Mountains, to the Gulf of Mexi- 
co and the ocean, at least, during the season of high water, 
from the spring to the middle of summer. 

The current of the principal streams is so rapid, that, although 
their depth would admit vessels of considerable size, the navi- 
gation is chiefly by means of steamboats. Even the ascent from 
the mouth of the 5lississippi to New Orleans is so difficult, that 
vessels are sometimes delayed 30 days. 

The navigation of the Mississippi is attended with some dan- 
ger, from the numerous trees, fixed in its bed, which are called 
by the boatmen planters or sain/ers, and are as fatal to the 
boats as reefs of rocks. Below Natchez, these dangers are ob- 
viated by the depth of water. Above this, they become more 
and more numerous, and difficult to pass ; but the main channel, 
though intricate, affords depth of water, in all stages, sufficient 
for boats of five or six feet draught, to the mouth of the Ohio. 
From this point to the mouth of the Missouri, 220 miles, the 
navigation is obstructed by shoals at low water, which will not 
admit boats drawing more than three feet. 



OP THE UNITED STATES. 2i 

Tlic obstructions to the navigation of the Missouri resemble 
those in the Mississippi, but are much greater. This stream is 
rapid and turbulent. No part of it is exempt from rafts, bars, 
Bnags, and other obstructions, and the channel is very intricate. 

The Ohio is navigable, for boats of considerable burthen, from 
the middle of February to the latter part of June, and again, 
for a few weeks, during the freshet in the autumn. The falls 
at Louisville can be passed by large boats only at the highest 
water. During low water, boats cannot pass some other rapids 
and shoals. 

The Arkansas is the next branch to the Missouri in size. 
It has only short periods of flood, and will not admit boats of 
considerable burthen. 

The branches of the Missouri are usually blocked up at their 
mouths after the freshet in July, until the next spring, by mud 
brought down by the Missouri, and of course they are navigable 
only during the freshets. 

Lake Champlain is a branch of the St. Lawrence, emptying 
into it by the River Sorelle, or Richelieu. Vessels of 150 tons 
may ascend 12 or 14 miles ; and boats to Chambly or St. John's. 
Prom this place there is a ship navigation of 160 miles on the 
lake, to the shores of Vermont and New York. 

The numerous rivers on the eastern declivity of the Apalachi- 
an chain, afford the advantages of a good inland navigation to 
most parts of the Atlantic States. In all those streams which 
flow through the alluvial region, from the Mississippi to the 
Roanoke, the tide waters of the ocean terminate at some dis- 
tance from the foot of the mountains, varying from 30 to 120 
miles. Prom the Roanoke to the Delaware, they extend through 
the alluvial region, to the base of the primitive hills ; but in no 
river, south-west of the Hudson, do they pass beyond the alluvial 
region. As far as the tides flow, the streams are generally 
navigable for sloops. 

In passing from the hilly to the flat and alluvial region, the 
streams are almost uniforrnly precipitated over ledges of rocks, 
by which their navigation is obstructed. Indeed the line of 
the alluvion marks the line of navigation from the sea, which 
passes through Milledgeville on the Altamaha, Augusta on the 
Savannali, Columbia and Camden on the Santee, Richmond on 
the James, Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock, Georgetown 
on the Potomac, and Trenton on the Delaware. Above the 
rapids, navigation is pursued entirely in boats propelled by oars 
or poles, or drawn up by ropes, or by means of the bushes 
growing on the banks. 

The coast of North Carolina is lined with a range of low, 
sandy islands, enclosing a chain of sounds. Their entrances 
are generally obstructed by bars, and no vessels of considerable 
size can enter. But the streams are navigable for sloops, some 
distance into the interior. 

The Chesapeake Bay is of itself an inland sea of considerable 
Bize, and, with the numerous streams and inlets on its bordew . 



22 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

forms an important channel to the ocean, for a large extent of 
country, covering most of Maryland and the eastern declivity 
of Virginia; and extending through the middle section of 
Pennsylvania, nearly to the small lakes of New York. The 
largest ships have access to its shores, and proceed to some 
distance in several of its streams. Not far from the entrance of 
the bay, are Hampton Roads, which is the first anchoring ground 
for vessels from the ocean. 

The Potomac is navigable, for ships of any burthen, to the 
navy yard at Washington ; and this is the most inland point in the 
United States, to which the largest vessels have access. Above 
Washington, there are five falls on this stream, which are ren- 
dered passable by canals. Thus a boat navigation is opened to 
its sources, which are connected with the waters of the Missis- 
sippi by the great Cumberland Road. 

The Hudson is the only river in the United States, where the 
tide passes through the alluvial, hilly, or primitive and transition 
formations. It is navigable for ships to the city of Hudson ; and 
sloops of considerable burthen pass through all the formations 
to the falls above Troy, which is 165 miles from the ocean. This 
is the most distant point to which the tides flow, and to which 
sea vessels can approach, in a direct line, in the United States. 
At its mouth this river forms the harbour of New York, which 
is considered one of the first in the world. 

In the rivers of the states east of the Hudson, the tide ex- 
tends only a small distance, and the navigation is obstructed by 
the falls and rapids which are common in the hilly or primitive 
countries. 

The Connecticut is navigable, for vessels of considerable size, 
50 miles, to Hartford. Several canals and locks have been con- 
structed on this river at South Hadley, Hanover, and some in- 
termediate rapids, which extend the boat navigation to Haver- 
hill in New Hampshire. 

Narragansett Bay, and the streams which empty into it, afford 
easy access from the ocean to every part of Rhode Island. 

The rivers of Maine are generally obstructed. The Penob- 
scot, the St. John's, and the western branch of the Kennebec, 
afford a boat navigation nearly to their sources. The heads of 
these rivers approach within no great distance of the waters of 
the St. Lawrence ; and the portage from the head of the Ken- 
nebec to that of the Chaudiere River is about five miles. 

INVENTIONS. 

Of all the discoveries and inventions yet accomplished, the 
machinery that saves labour, incidental to manufactures, in the 
greatest degree, is that of Mr. Eli Whitney, for ginning cotton 
wool. This patent machine was invented about the year 1793. 
Before its invention, very little upland cotton was cultivated, 
and scarcely a single pound was exported from the United 
States ; afterv/ards, the culture of this species of cotton became 
the principal object of the planter in South Carolina and Geoi- 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 23 

gia ; and in the year 1807, more than fifty-five millions of pounds 
of upland cotton were exported, and which were valued at more 
than eleven and a half millions of dollars. It has rarely occur- 
red that the invention of a single machine has, at once, changed 
the employment of so many thousand people, and has added so 
much to the wealth and resources of a people. 

So numerous are the various other labour-saving machines, 
introduced and invented in this country, that it would be in vain 
to attempt even to name them all. They have been applied to 
breweries, distilleries and tanneries; to the manufacture of 
cards; of carded and combed wool, flax and hemp; of nails, 
screws and buttons ; — have been used for splitting leather, which 
formerly was half wasted in parings ; for making dip tallow 
candles, and lint for medical purposes; for moulding paper in 
the paper manufactories ; for facilitating printing ; and even for 
teaching the grammar of our language. The Americans were 
the first to bring steamboats and their substitutes, teamboats, 
iinto effective practical use, in 1807. They were first proved in 
America to be practicable, in 1786 to 1798, by Ramsay and Fitch. 
These steamboats are now used in great and increasing num- 
bers on the Atlantic coast, and western rivers and lakes. To 
'[these have been added the tremendous vessels of war, called the 
teteam frigates. These wonderful machines, working as if they 
'were animated beings, endowed with all the talents of their 
[inventors, labouring with organs that never tire, and subject to 
iio expense of food, bed, clothing or dwelling, may justly be 
considered as equivalent to an immense body of manufacturing 
recruits, suddenly enlisted in the service of the country. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The cheapness of land, and the great profits which farming 
!|h.ffords, check the growth of manufactures in the United States. 
Linen, woollen and cotton articles for domestic use, however, 
a,re made very generally in the farmers' houses ; and fabrics of 
I finer kind, including fancy and ornamental articles, are now 
nanufactured in extensive works in Pennsylvania, New York, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Cabinet ware, 
md the coarser species of iron work, are made in high perfec- 
tion ; and in ship buUding, the construction of wooden bridges, 
ind mill machinery, the Americans are probably superior to any 
lation in Europe. According to the official returns in 1810, 
he whole value of the manufactures that year was 127,694,602 
loUars ; but, allowing for articles omitted or under-estimated, 
he true amount was computed to be 172,700,000 dollars. Sup- 
f>osing the growth of the manufactures to have kept pace with 
jjhat of the population, the amount, in 1823, would be about 
||{40,000,000 dollars. 

COMMERCE. 
The commerce of the United States is second in extent only 
p that of Britain, and much greater than that of any state with 



24 GEOGKAPIIICAL VIEW 

an equal population. The principal articles of domestic growth 
or manufacture exported, are cotton, tobacco, wheat and flour, 
lumber and naval stores, ashes, fish, beef, rice, and flax seed. 
The imports consist chiefly of woollens, cottons, linens, silks, 
iron ware, coffee, sugar, spirits, wines. 

The states that have the greatest quantity of shipping are 
New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 
A considerable proportion of the tonnage belonging to the 
Northern States is employed in carrying away the produce of 
tJie Southern, wliich have comparatively a small number of ships 
and mariners, though the cotton and tobacco, raised in these 
ptates, furnish fully one half of the exports of the Union. The 
vu,it number of navigable rivers in the United States afford ex- 
traordinary facilities for communications by water; and hence 
their internal commerce, compared with that of other nations, 
is stUl greater than their foreign trade. The admirable inven- 
tion of steamboats has had a most beneficial effect, in North 
America, in quickening and improving river navigation. 

The trade with the Indians of the United States was carried 
on by licenses, given to persons of good character, from 1775 to 
1809, when a new law was passed, substituting fine, imprison- 
ment, forfeiture and bonds, without making a good character or 
citizenship requisite. Without superseding the plan of licenses, 
a system of trade by public factors commenced in 1796. The 
president was autUori: ed to establish trading houses, and to 
appoint an agent to each house, to carry on, as the act states, 
"a liberal trade with the Indians." The act appropriated 
150,000 dollars as the capital of this trade, and the additional 
sum of 8,000 dollars annually for the payment of agents and 
clerks ; and directed the trade to be carried on so as not to di- 
minish the capital. It was limited to two years ; but was by a 
subsequent act continued in force till 1806. A superintendent 
of Indians was then appointed, and the capital increased to 
260,000 dollars, and 13,000. dollars were appropriated for the 
payment of superintendent, agents and clerks. This act was 
limited to three years, but afterwards was continued in force 
till 1811. The capital was then increased to 300,000 dollars, 
with an annual appropriation of 19,250 dollars for the payment 
of superintendent, agents and clerks. It appears to have been 
the aim of tne government to conduct Indian trade with pru- 
dence and humanity. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The United States, considered as a 
country, may with more propriety be characterized as uneven^ 
than as level or hilly. In so extensive a tract, however, no 
general language csih adequately describe the real state of facts. 
This can only be learned from a more minute description. New 
England is generally hilly; Vermont is mountainous; Maine 
and the eastern coast of New Hampshire and Massachusetts are 
«nly uneven. The Middle States are principally uneven, excepi 



OP THE UNITED STATES. 25 

a broad tract, running from north-weat to south-east through the 
centre of this division, which is mountainous. In the Southern 
States, a broad belt of land, of lOO to 250 miles wide, extending 
the whole length of the coast, is a uniform dead level. Back of 
this the land becomes uneven and hilly, and finally rises into 
the Alleghany Mountains, which separate the waters of the At- 
lantic from those of the Ohio and Mississippi. Part of Kentucky 
and Tennessee is mountainous ; while Georgia, Alabama, and 
Mississippi are level. The territory west of the Mississippi, in- 
cluded in the boundaries of the United States, corresponds in 
its prominent features to that on the east. It is divided from 
south to north by the chain of the Rocky Mountains, which 
divide the waters that fall east, into the Gulf of Mexico and the 
Mississippi, from those that flow west, into the Pacific Ocean. 

SOIL AND AGRICULTURE. 

It has been estimated, that thirteen-sixteenths of the country 
east of the Mississippi (excluding Florida) are covered with a 
strong, fertile soil, fitted, with a moderate degree of cultivation,, 
abundantly to repay the labour of the husbandman. Of the re- 
maining three sixteenths, about 57,000,000 acres are covered 
with water ; about 40,000,000 acres consist of a mountainous 
country, almost universally forested, and which, from the nature 
of its surface, rather than its soil, is unfit for cultivation ; and 
about 29,000,000 acres are either sandy, or covered with so 
poor a soil as to offer slight encouragement, except to the most 
elaborate agriculture, when the general value of land shall be 
greatly advanced. Of 520,000,000 acres, capable of advanta- 
geous cultivation, only 40,950,000 were estimated to be under 
actual improvement in 1811. This is about 5% acres for each 
individual of the contemporaneous population. Taking the 
present population at ten millions, and allowing the same quan- 
tity for each person, the land under actual improvement must 
now be nearly 60,000,000 of acres, which is about one-twelfth 
part of the whole surface east of the Mississippi, including 
Florida. According to returns made in 1798, the lands valued, 
and upon which tax was paid, in sixteen states, was 163,000,000 
out of 308,000,000 acres, or little more than one half, and the es- 
timated value was 479,000,000 dollars. The population then be- 
ing about five millions, the appropriated land amounted to about 
thirty acres for each individual inhabitant. The average value 
was about three dollars per acre, but, in some of the old and 
thickly-settled states, it was as high as fifteen dollars per acre. 

The value of the houses was about 140,000,000 of dollars, or 
two-sevenths of that of the lands. When returns were made a 
second time, in 1814, the value of houses and lands jointly was 
found to be 1,630,000,000 of dollars. If, therefore, the value of 
every species of property grew as rapidly as that of houses and 
lands, each 100 dollars must have increased to 253, in an inter- 
val of fifteen years. This implies an annual augmentation of 
uix and one fourth per cent., at which rate the capital of the 
3 



26 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

country must double in eleven or twelve years ; in other words, 
the capital is increasing with twice the velocity of the population. 
In a country having so many varieties of soil and climate as 
the United States, there is necessarily a considerable diversity 
in the agricultural productions. Maize, or Indian corn, is cul- 
tivated in all parts of the country, but succeeds best in the 
Middle States. It is a most useful vegetable, fitted to a greater 
variety of situations than wheat, and yielding generally double 
the produce. Wheat is also raised in all parts of the country, 
but thrives best in the Middle and Western States. The culti- 
vation of tobacco begins in Maryland, about the thirty-ninth or 
fortieth parallel, and continues through all the Southern, and 
partially through the Wesern States. It forms the staple of 
Maryland and Virginia. Cotton grows as far north as 39°, but 
its cultivation is not profitable beyond 37°. This useful plant 
was first raised for exportation only in 1791. It is now produced 
in immense quantities from the River Roanoke to the Missis- 
sippi, and forms the leading article of export from the United 
States. The best grows in dry situations in Carolina and Geor- 
gia, upon the sea coast. The rice crops, which require great 
lieat, and a soil susceptible of irrigation, commence about the 
same parallel, and have nearly the same geographical range. 
The sugar cane grows in low and warm situations, as high as 
the latitude of 33°, but the climate favourable for its cultivation 
does no extend beyond 31d°. It is now cultivated to a great 
extent in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. It is 
stated, that, in Louisiana alone, 20,000,000 of pounds of sugar 
were raised in 1817, when the whole quantity consumed in the 
republic was estimated at 70,000,000 of pounds. Oats, rye and 
barley are raised in all the Northern and Middle States. Hemp 
and flax are raised in the Western States. The vine thrives as 
far north as Pennsylvania, but home wines are only made yet to 
a very limited extent. Natural meadows are more numerous in 
New England and in New York than in parts farther south. 

BAYS. 

The Chesapeake is a very spacious bay, 200 miles in length, 
from Havre de Grace to the southern extremity, and from 7 
to 18 miles in breadth ; and covering 2660 square miles, or 
1,700,000 acres. It is generally as much as nine fathoms deep, 
and affords many commodious harbours, and a safe and easy 
navigation. The mouths of the James, York and Potomac Rivers 
are merely arms of the Chesapeake. This is true of the latter 
river, for at least fifty miles from its mouth. This bay receives 
the waters of the Susquehannah, Potomac, Rappahannock, York 
and James Rivers, besides numberless small streams, both from 
the eastern and western shores. It opens from the west into the 
Atlantic by a mouth twelve miles wide, between Cape Charles 
and Cape Henry. 

Delaware Bay separates New Jersey from Delaware. It is 
sixty-five miles long, from Fisher's Point to Cape Henlopen ; and, 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 27 

in the broadest part, thirty miles wide ; containing about 985 
square miles, or 630,000 acres. It receives the waters of no 
large rivers except the Delaware. It opens from the north-west 
into the Atlantic, between Cape May and Cape Henlopen. 

Massachusetts Bay is a part of the ocean putting up between 
Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Its length is about sixty miles, and 
the distance between the two capes is forty-five. 

Narragansett Bay, in Rhode Island, is thirty-five miles long. 
The first twenty of it is a regular parallelogram, thirteen miles 
wide. It covers an area of about 290 square miles, or 185,000 
acres. It communicates with the ocean between Point Judith 
on the west and Point Seaconet on the east. 

SOUNDS. 

Long Island Sound, between Connecticut and New York on 
the north, and Long Island on the south, is 140 miles long, and 
from 3 to 25 broad. It has two communications with the ocean. 
The eastern is broad and unobstructed. At the west, and by a 
narrow strait one mile wide, opposite to New York, it communi- 
cates with York Bay, and through that with the ocean at Sandy 
Hook. The celebrated strait called Hell Gate is near the west 
end of the sound,' about 8 miles east of New York, and is re- 
markable for its -whirlpools, which make a tremendous roaring 
at certain times of the tide. These whirlpools are occasioned 
by the narrowness and crookedness of the pass, and by a bed of 
rocks which extend across it. A skilful pilot may, with perfect 
safety, conduct a ship of any burthen through this strait with 
the tide, or at still water with a fair wind. The sound aflfords a 
very safe and convenient inland navigation. 

Pamlico Sound lies between the eastern shore of North Caro- 
lina and a chain of sand islands, which stretch along the shore 
of that state, through half its extent. The southern part of this 
body of water is commonly designated by this name ; but there 
is evidently nothing which intervenes to separate it from tlie 
northern part. Taken in its whole' extent, from the northern 
extremity, in Princess Ann county in Virginia, to Cape Look- 
out, it is not less than 200 miles long. Its breadth varies from 
3 to 20 miles. The chain of islands, which separate it from the 
main ocean, is scarcely a mile wide, and is generally covered 
with small trees and bushes. There are five of these islands 
and a peninsula, separated from each other by five inlets, Cur- 
rituc, Roanoke, Gant, Ocrecoc and Cedar ; but Ocrecoc is the 
only one that will admit vessels of burthen. There is here four- 
teen feet water at low tide. Six miles within this inlet there is 
a hard sand shoal, called the Swash, lying across the channel, 
on which there is only nine feet water at low tide. Ships draw- 
ing ten feet water find between the inlet and sound, good an- 
chorage. Pamlico Sound receives the waters of Chowaiv Ro- 
anoke, Pamlico, and Neus Rivers. 

Albemarle Sound puts up from Pamlico into North Carolina 
a distance of sixty miles. It is from eight to twelve miles broad, 



2B GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

a^ is really a bay, having but one communication with the 
•cean. It is the estuary of the Roanoke and Chowan. 

CAPES. 

The nlost noted capes in the United States are Cape Ann, 
Cape Cod, Cape Malabar, Montauk Point, Sandy Hook, Cape 
May, Cape Henlopen, Cape Charles, Cape Henry, Cape Hatte- 
ras. Cape Lookout and Cape Fear. 

RIVERS. 

The Mississippi is the most celebrated river of the United 
States ; but it is now found that the Missouri is the principal 
branch, and has the best claim to the magnificent title of " Father 
of waters," conferred on the smaller branch by the Indians. 
Mississippi proper has its source in Turtle Lake, near the 48th 
degree of north latitude. At the picturesque Falls of St. An- 
thony, it descends from the plateau, where it has its origin, to a 
vast plain, which accompanies it to the sea. After a course of 
280 leagues, its limpid waters mingle themselves with the turbid 
stream of the Missouri. At the point of confluence, each of these 
rivers is about half a mile broad. At the distance of about IGO 
miles below the mouth of the Missouri, it is joined by the Ohio, 
after the latter has received the tributary waters of the Wabash, 
the Cumberland and the Tennessee Rivers. Lower down, the 
Mississippi has its volume considerably increased by the Arkan- 
sas and Red River, and falls into the Gulf of Mexico, after a 
course of 2500 miles. The river, in the last half of its course, 
presents some peculiar phenomena. Besides its principal and 
permanent mouth, it has several lateral outlets, called bayous, 
which carry oflT part of its waters. In Louisiana the surface of 
the stream is more elevated than the adjoining lands. Its im- 
mense volume of waters is confined and supported by dikes and 
levees, composed of soft earth, and rising a few feet above the 
usual height of the inundations. These banks of the river, which 
decline gradually into the swampy plains behind, are from a 
quarter to a half a mile in breadth, and form the richest and best 
soil in the country. The three principal outlets, or bayous, call- 
ed the Atchafalaya, the La Fourche, and the Iberville, embrace 
an extensive delta, composed of soft, swampy earth, rising very 
little above tide water. The actual embouchure of the river 
parts into three branches, each of which has a bar at its entrance, 
the deepest affording only seventeen feet water. Within the bar, 
the depth of the water, for two or three hundred miles, is from 
50 to 150 feet. The average breadth of the Mississippi, below 
the junction with the Missouri, is about 1000 yards, or two 
thirds of a mile. 

The Mississippi and its branches traverse countries thickly 
wooded, and hence vast numbers of trees, either uprooted by 
the winds, or falling from the effects of age, are borne down by 
its waters, united by lianas, and cemented by soft, adhesive mud. 
These spoils of the forest become floating islands, upon which 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 29 

young trees take root. There the pistia and the munphar 
display their yellow flowers, and the serpents, the birds, and the 
cayman alligator, come and repose on those flowery rafts, which 
are sometimes carried to the sea, and engulfed in its waters. 
Sometimes a large tree attaches itself to a sand bank firmly, and, 
stretching out its branches like so many hooks, entangles all the 
floating objects that approach it. A single tree is often sufllcient 
to arrest thousands in their course : the mass accumulates from 
year to year ; and thus are gradually created new isles, new 
capes and peninsulas, which change the course of the stream, 
and force it to seek out new channels. 

The tides are not felt in the Mississippi, in consequence of 
the numerous sinuosities. The winds are variable ; and though 
the prevailing wind is from the south, and favours vessels sail- 
ing against the stream, still the navigation upwards is slow and 
difficult, especially during the floods, when the current has a 
velocity of three or four mUes an hour. These floods occur in 
May, June, and July. The additional waters form an inclined 
plane, the rising being fifty feet in Tennessee, twenty-five feet 
near the mouth of Red River, and twelve feet at New Orleans. 
The invention of steamboats has perhaps nowhere been so 
beneficial as in the navigation of this river. The voyage up- 
wards from New Orleans to the Falls of Ohio, which often oc- 
cupied sailing vessels three months, may now be accomplished 
in fifteen or eighteen days. 

We shall mention very briefly the other considerable rivers of 
the United States. The Bay of Mobile receives the waters of 
the Alabama, which has two large branches, the Alabama and 
the Tombigbee. Farther east is the Apalachicola. The only 
large river in Florida is the St. John, which rises in a marsh, 
and, flowing northward, parallel to the coast, falls into the At- 
lantic. The Alatamaha, Savannah, Santee, and Pedee are the 
most considerable rivers in Georgia and South Carolina. Theyv 
are all navigable to a considerable distance, but have their 
mouths, less or more obstructed by sand bars. The entrance 
into Cape Fear River, the Neuse and Roanoke, is still more dif- 
ficult, in consequence of the line of sand banks which cover the 
whole coast of North Carolina. To tlie north of Cape Henry, 
extends the magnificent Bay of Chesapeake, which receives, as 
lias been mentioned, James River, the Potomac and the Susque- 
hannah. The Delaware falls into a bay of the same name. The 
Bay of New York receives the Hudson, a large river, in which 
the tide ascends 160 miles, and which is the scene of a most ex- 

I tensive and active inland commerce. The most considerable 

II ■ rivers east of the Hudson are the Connecticut, the Merrimac, the 
I Kennebec, and the Penobscot. The small River St. Croix sepa- 
ls rates the territories of the United States from New Brunswick. 

I LAKES. 

j To the largest of the chain of lakes between Canada and th* 

I United States, the earliest travellers have given the name of 

I 3* 



30 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Lake Superior. It is more than five hundred leagues in cir- 
cumference ; its clear waters, fed by forty rivers, are contained 
within immense strata of rocks, and the surges nearly equal 
those of the Atlantic. Lake Huron, which is connected with 
the other by the Straits of St. Mary, has a periphery of 300 
leagues, and receives the waters of Lake Superior through a 
Series of rapid descents. The outline of Lake Michigan is sup- 
posed to be about 200 leagues : it communicates with the former 
by a long strait, which serves for an outlet for its waters ; and 
the country around its banks belongs exclusively to the United 
States. Lake Huron discharges itself into the rapid River of St. 
Clair, which, by the accession of other streams, is changed into 
a small lake of the same name. A less violent channel, properly 
called the Detroit, unites this basin with Lake Erie, which is 
more than ninety leagues in length, and about twenty or thirty 
broad. On account, however, of its shallow waters, and the un- 
equal elevation of its banks, it is subject to storms, which render 
navigation dangerous. This lake communicates with the River 
Niagara, and with those celebrated cataracts, of which so much 
has been written, although no description can convey an ade- 
quate idea of their awful sublimity. The River Niagara de- 
scends by this splendid porch into Lake Ontario, which is ap- 
parently calm, although its waters are subject to phenomena re- 
sembling those of the tides. This lake is nearly one hundred 
and seventy miles long, and sixty broad at the widest part. It 
empties itself, through the romantic Lake of a Thousand Isles, 
ijito the St. Lawrence. 

MOUNTAINS. 

Two great chains of mountains traverse the territory of the 
United States, in a direction approaching to south and north ; 
<3ie Alleghany Mountains on the east side, and the Rocky Moun- 
tains on the west. They divide the country into an eastern, 
western and middle region, the latter comprising the great basin 
or valley of the Mississippi. 

The AUeghanies are less a chain of mountains than a long 
plateau, crested with several low chains of hills, separated from 
each other by wide and elevated valleys. East of the Hudson, 
Uie AUeghanies consist chiefly of granitic hills, with rounded 
summits, often covered to a great height with bogs and turf, and 
distributed in irregular groups, without any marked direction. 
Some peaks of the Green Mountains in Vermont, and the White 
Mountains in New Hampshire, rise to the height of 5000 or 6000 
feet above the level of the sea. After we pass the Hudson, the 
structure of the AUeghanies appears to change. In Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia, they assume the form of long parallel 
ridges, varying in height from 2500 to 4000 feet, and occupying 
«L breadth of a hundred miles. In Tennessee, where they ter- 
minate, they again lose the form of continuous chains, and break 
into groups of isolated mountains, touching at their base, soma 
of which attain «tn elevation of 5000 or 60^ feet. 



or THE UNITED STATES. 31 

The Rocky Mountains are upon a much grander scale than 
the AUeghanies. Their base is three hundred miles in breadth ; 
and their loftiest summits, which are covered with eternal snow, 
rise to the height of 12,000 feet. They are placed at the dis- 
tance of 500 or 600 miles from the Pacific Ocean ; but between 
them and the coast there is another range of mountains, called 
the Ozarks, six or seven hundred miles in length, about one 
liundred broad, and having an elevation varying from 1000 to 
2000 feet above the sea. This range of low mountains, which 
is penetrated by two branches of the Mississippi, the Arkansas 
and the Red River, was nearly altogether unknown till within 
these few years, and has not been delineated, so far as we know, 
in any maps hitherto published in this country. 

FORESTS. 

Hardly a spot could have been found in the United States, 
which was not covered with forest trees, when they were first 
settled. And those parts of the country, which are not yet 
cleared and cultivated, which are probably three fourths of the 
whole, still retain their natural covering. Forests far more 
extensive than any of the celebrated forests of Europe are found 
in every part of the country. None of them, however, have re- 
ceived a name. 

BOTANY. 

Atuch less is known of the natural history of the United States, 
than that of most European countries, and that might fairly be 
demanded of our countrymen. The productions of the tSouthern 
States and of Canada have not been well described by any one 
author, in a work professedly for that purpose ; but are mostly 
intermixed with the productions of other parts of the world, in 
the large works of European botanists. This renders it difficult 
to select them, and to give an accurate connected account of 
them. To remedy this inconvenience, and to rescue this coun- 
try from the reproach of not having any authentic and scientific 
account of its natural history. Dr. Cutter, who has already ex- 
amined nearly all the vegetables of New England, has for some 
time contemplated the publication of a botanical work of consid- 
erable magnitude, confined principally to the productions of the 
New England States. Dr. Barton, of Philadelphia, has been 
collecting materials for a work of a similar nature, to compre- 
hend the Middle and Southern States. When finished, both 
together will form a complete natural history of the American 
States. 

ZOOLOGY. 

America contains at least one half, and the United States 
about one fourth, of the quadrupeds of the known world. Some 
of them are common to both continents ; others are peculiar to 
the western. Comparing individuals of the same species, in 
the two continents, some are perfectly similar ; between others 



32 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW ' 

there is some difference in size, colour, or other circumstances ; 
in a few instances, the animals of the eastern continent are 
larger than the American ; in most, the reverse is the case. 

The bison, American ox, or buffalo, though it has a promi- 
nence on its back, is a distinct species from the zebu of India 
and Africa, or the slightly-humped anerochs of northern Eu- 
rope. The American ox has always the neck, the shoulders, 
and under part of the body covered with long, rough hair ; it 
has a long beard under the chin ; and the tail does not reach to 
the houghs. It differs also from the small musk ox of the ex- 
treme northern parts of the American continent, which has a 
resemblance, in the singular form of its horns, to the buffalo of 
the Cape. The moose-deej;, which is found from the Rocky 
Mountains to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is now rare in the 
inhabited parts of the United States. It is a gigantic animal, 
sometimes twelve feet long. The elk, the red-deer, and the 
caribou, which is probably the reindeer, are also found. There 
are two species of bear ; the one short-legged, living chiefly on 
vegetables ; the other, called the ranging bear, which destroys 
calves, sheep, pigs, and sometimes children. The wolf is also 
found in most of the states, and is very destructive to cattle. 
The catamount, of the size of a large dog, and the spotted tiger, 
five or six feet long, both voracious animals, are rare. The 
cougar, or American tiger, is more common. There is a very 
great variety of other animals, that people the vast tracts of 
wilderness, and inhabit the woods of almost every part of the 
United States, affording the pleasures of chase to the active and 
daring hunter, and game to the less hardy sportsman. Very 
many of the valuable animals that are found afford furs, which 
are made, on the frontiers, an article of important and lucrative 
trade. 

MINERALOGY. 

No mines of gold or silver, of any importance, have been dis- 
covered in the United States ; but the useful metals are in gen- 
eral abundantly distributed. Some of the ores of iron arp found 
in almost every state ; and mines of this metal are worked in 
New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, Connecti- 
rnt, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. 
The number of furnaces, forges, and bloomeries, in 1810, was 
.530, and the value of the iron manufactured annually was esti- 
mated at twelve or fifteen millions of dollars. The stores of 
this metal, which nature seems to have provided for this great 
country, have been explored, and the amount of manufactures 
has increased in proportion to the increase of the population, 
and the growing necessities of the nation. The United States 
are supplied with copper chiefly from Mexico, and other foreign 
countries, but ores of this metal exist in most of the states, and 
in the North-west Territory are said to be in great abundance, 
in situations of easy access. Lead is chiefly procured from Mis- 
aouri, where forty-five mines are worked, and yield three mUliooa 



OF THE UNITED STATES. 3S 

of pounda annually. Of coal, there is a large field, twenty miles 
long by ten broad, twelve miles from Richmond, which has been 
long worked. This useful mineral is also found at various 
places in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. But the 
most abundant supply is on the west side of the AUeghanies, 
where a coal formation, one of the largest in the world, extends, 
with some interruption, from the western foot of the mountains 
across the Mississippi. Salt is chiefly obtained from the sea, 
or imported in the Eastern States ; but brine springs abound over 
the valley of the Mississippi, from the AUeghanies to the Rocky 
Mountains, and, in some situations, on the western side of the 
valley, plains occur, of many miles in circuit, which are periodi- 
cally covered with a thick crust of salt. In the county of Barn- 
stable, Massachusetts, the vats in which salt is manufactured, 
are said to cover fifteen millions of square feet, and to be worth 
$1,300,000. The salt manufactured in them amounts to about 
450,000 bushels. That made at Salina, in New York, in 1826, 
was 816,000 bushels. 

Gold is widely, spread on the surface of the ground in parts 
of North Carolina and Virginia. Perhaps the largest piece of 
native gold ever found was picked up in North Carolina. 

MINERAL WATERS. 

The most celebrated mineral waters are those of Saratoga 
and Ballston, New York ; these will be described in their proper 
places, under the view of the state of New York. The salt 
springs, which abound in New York and the Western States, 
have already been alluded to. The economy of nature seems to 
be happily exhibited in the disposition of these natural sources 
of the conveniences and necessities of life, and it is found, that, 
as population multiplies in the degree to increase the frequency 
and malignity of disease, the bosom of nature yields up some 
restorative of health ; and as men travel back, to occupy the in- 
terior, remote from the common source of conveniences, there 
are new discoveries of the provisions with which the earth is 
every where furnished for the sustenance and happiness of ex- 
istence. 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES. 

Probably no other country presents so interesting an object to 
the eye of curiosity, as the Falls of Niagara. The western fall 
is the greatest, and the river in this place is more than 600 yards 
wide, and the perpendicular height of the descent is upwards of 
142 feet. The eastern or American cataract is 350 yards in 
breadth, and 163 feet high. It is separated from the western 
by Goat's Island, which lies about half a mile from the precipice, 
and has a sand bank, by means of which, in seasons of low 
water, the island may be approached from the eastern shore. 
It is now accessible by a bridge thrown over, a little above the 
American fall. Goat's Island contains about 8 acres of good 
land. The great cataract is continually obscured by vapour, 



34 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

which may be distinguished at a very considerable distance^ 
and its foaming billows appear to float in the heavens. As the 
density of the mist varies, the adjacent forests and rocks are oc- 
casionally perceived, and they add to the splendour of the scene. 
The eflFect produced by the cold of vi^inter on these sheets of 
water, thus rapidly agitated, is at once singular and magnificent. 
Icicles of great thickness and length are formed along the banks 
from the springs wrhich flow over them. The source, simpreg- 
nated with sulphur, are congealed into transparent blue columns. 
Coves are formed by the spray, particularly on the American 
side, which have large fissures, disclosing the interior composed 
of clusters of icicles, similar to the pipes of an organ. Some 
parts of the falls are consolidated into fluted columns, and the 
streams above are seen partially frozen. 

The Table Rock is a part of the Canada bank, which is on 
the margin of the great sheet of falling water. It furnishes al- 
together the most interesting view of the falls. The eye, look- 
ing up the river, beholds it tumbling with strange magnificence, 
over the ledges of rocks above. The quantity of water contin- 
ually on the top of the rock, and constantly falling over it, is 
calculated to be 128,563,200 pounds. 



VERMONT. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent— Yermont lies between lat. 42° 44' and 45° N. and 
between Ion. 71° 33' and 73° 26', W. The whole north end is 
on the parallel 45°. Its mean length is 157^ miles, its average 
breadth is 65, and it contains 10,200 square miles of surface. 

Boundaries. — N. by Lower Canada ; E. by Connecticut River, 
which divides it from New Hampshire ; S. by Massachusetts ; 
W. by New York. 

Divisions. — Vermont is divided into 13 counties, — Addison, 
Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand 
Isle, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, Wind- 
sor ; and 238 towns. 

JVanie. — Vermont is merely verd mont, the French for Green 
Mountain. It is said that Ethan Allen conferred the name on 
the mountains, and it was thence transferred to the territory. 

Religion. — In 1818, there were 75 Congregational ministers, 
and many vacant churches, and about 120 Baptist congrega- 
tions. Of the towns in Vermont, 114 were granted by New 
Hampshire, in each of which one right of land, containing usu- 
ally 330 acres, was reserved for the first settled minister ; one 
right as a glebe for the Church of England ; one to the Society 
for propagating the Gospel ; and one for the support of a school. 
In the other towns, granted by Vermont, there was one right re- 
served for a university ; one for a town school ; one for a county 
grammar school ; and one for the support of the gospel. 



or VERMONT. 35 

The Congregational ministers meet annually in convention, 
in September ; and, with such other persons as choose to pay 
one dollar a year, constitute the Vermont Missionary Society, 
a useful and active body in propagating the gospel. 

Government. — Vermont was attached to New York till 1791, 
when it was created an independent member of the Federal 
Union. Its legislature consists of a house of representatives 
only, which, with the governor, is elected annually, by all resi- 
dent males of full age. There is no senate, but there is a coun- 
cil of censors, elected once in seven years, whose business is 
to inquire whether the legislature and executive have done their 
duty, and whether the constitution has remained inviolate. 

The statutes of Vermont, and the common law of England, 
(so far as it is applicable,) make up the laws of Vermont. 

Population. — The number of inhabitants was, in 1790, 85,539 ; 
in 1820, 235,800. 

Militia. — In 1813, the whole number of militia in this state 
was 20,273. By the constitution, the governor is captain-gene- 
ral of all the forces of the state, and the lieutenant-governor, 
lieutenant-general. Subordinate to these, is one major-general 
to each division, and one brigadier-general to each brigade, 
chosen by the legislature. The bravery of the Green Mountain 
Boys is proverbial. 

Revemie. — The revenue of this state arises from rates and 
taxes granted from time to time by the legislature, and assessed 
in proportion to the polls and rateable estate. The law deter- 
mines what is taxable estate, and fixes the value at which it 
shall be taxed. 

Character. — The inhabitants of this state are assembled from 
various places, of different sentiments, manners, and habits 
Though rigorously opposed in particular religious and political 
tenets, they are tenacious of their liberties, and united in se- 
curing them. They are an active, hardy, industrious, and fru- 
gal people. 

Literature. — ^Vermont has two colleges. One is at Burling- 
ton, styled the Vermont University, established in 1791, and has 
been liberally patronised by the state, but as yet has had but 
few students. The other is at Middlebury, supported chiefly by 
private bounty, and is a respectable and flourishing institution. 

There is an academy in each county, and there are common 
schools in every town in the state. 

Toivns. — Montpelier is the seat of government. It is situated 
on the Onion River, within 10 miles of the centre of the state 
and is a flourishing town. 

Burlington, on Lake Champlain, 38 miles W. N. W. of Mont- 
pelier, is the most commercial town in the state, and remarka- 
ole for its delightful situation, and magnificent landscapes. 

Windsor and Brattleborough, on Connecticut River, are very 
pleasant and flourishing towns, and places of considerable busi- 
ness. The former contains the state prison. 

Middlebury, on the Otter Creek, at the falls, 32 miles south 



36 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

of Burlington, has extensive manufactories, and considerable 
trade. Here is a quarry of excellent marble. 

Bennington, situated in the S. W. corner of Vermont, is a 
considerable town, and the oldest in the state. It is famous for 
a battle fought here, in August, 1777, between the British and 
Americans. 

Some of the other most important towns are Vergeunes, 
Newbury, Westminster, Royalston, Randolph, Arlington, and 
Shaftesbury. 

Manufactures. — The value of its manufactures, almost exclu- 
sively from its own productions, was estimated, in 1810, at 
4,326,000 dollars. This does not include the various home 
commodities, among which is the article of maple sugar. Most 
families manufacture, in their own houses, the greater part of 
tiieir common clothing from flax and wool raised on their farms. 

Banks. — There is one bank in this state, called the Vermont 
State Bank, established in 1806, wholly the property of the 
state. It consists of four branches, at Burlington, Middlebury, 
Woodstock, and Westminster. It is under the management of 
13 directors, appointed annually by the legislature. 

Commerce. — The inhabitants in the south-east part of the 
state trade with Hartford and Boston ; in the middle, with Bos- 
ton ; in the north-east, with Portland ; in the south-west, with 
New York ; in the north-west, with New York and Montreal. 

Burlington, on Lake Champlain, is the only port of entry. 
The exports, in 1817, amounted to 913,201 dollars. They con- 
sist of lumber, horses, beef, pork, butter, cheese, wheat, flour, 
pot and pearl ashes. The imports cannot be fairly estimated, 
as they are principally sent through the other states. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The winter is cold, but (the sky is usually) serene, 
and the weather uniform. Snow lies commonly about four 
months, and, on the highlands, falls four feet deep. 

Vegetation in the spring is generally rapid. The climate is 
healthy, but some towns west of the mountains are afilicted with 
the fever and ague. 

Face of the Country. — It is a beautiful, picturesque country, 
entirely inland, abounding in mountains, which are universally 
covered with wood — with birch, beech, maple, ash, elm, and 
butternut, on the east side, and with evergreens on the west. 
Almost the whole of this country is formed with mountains 
ranging parallel with the Connecticut River. The west range, 
which continues unbroken with few exceptions, is in general 
the highest. The valleys, or glens, which separate the ranges, 
are generally narrow, and covered with hemlock, fir, and spruce. 

Mountains. — The Green Mountains extend through the whole 
length of the state, in a direction nearly north and south. The 
fjighest summits of this rarge, in Vermont, are Mansfield Moun- 
tain in Mansfield and Sterling, Camel's Rump, near the east 
part of Hiuitington, and Killington Peak, about 10 miles east 



OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. ST 

of Rutland. Ascutney Mountain lies west of Connecticut River, 
between Windsor and Weathersfield. 

The tops of the mountains are chiefly rocky, and covered with 
moss ; the sides are irregular and rough, and often precipitous. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil is very fertile, and fitted for 
all the purposes of agriculture. Winter wheat is extensively 
cultivated on the west side of the mountains, but does not thrive 
on the east side. Maize, barley, oats, and flax, succeed ever}" 
where, and the pastures are excellent. 

Rivers. — The west bank of Connecticut River forms the east- 
ern boundary of the state. All the rivers have their source in 
the Green Mountains, about 35 of which run easterly into the 
Connecticut, and 25 into Lake Champlain. The principal rivers 
within the state are Lamoille, Onion, Otter Creek, Missisque, 
Deerfield, Pasumic, White and Black Rivers. 

Lakes. — Lake Champlain is 128 miles long, and 12 broad, 
more than two thirds of which lies in this state. Lake Mem- 
phremagog lies chiefly in Lower Canada. It is 40 miles long, 
but only 7 or 8 miles of the south end are in this state. The 
rivers and lakes abound with various kinds of fish. 

Springs. — Besides the numerous springs of fresh water, there 
are some chalybeate springs. There is a spring in Orwel, near 
Mount Independence, and another at Bridport, which produce 
Epsom salts. There is also a mineral spring on some low land 
over against the great Ox Bow. 

Forests. — The greatest part of the state is still in forest, and 
the mountains will probably continue so for ages to come. 

Botany. — The forest trees comprise the diflferent species of 
pine, maple, oak, ash, birch, beech, walnut, chestnut and poplar. 
The esculent trees, shrubs, and vines, are the varieties of the 
cherry,juniper, and the diflTerentbush and vine berries and grapes. 

Medicinal and poisonous plants also abound in the mountains. 

Mineralogy. — Iron ore is found in several places, and there 
are some lead and copper mines. Porcelain earth is found at 
Monkton, and there are quarries of marble at Middlebury, Ben- 
nington, Swanton, Arlington, Shaftesbury, and Pittsford. 

Natural Curiosities. — There are remarkable caves in Ply- 
mouth, Clarendon, Dorset, Danby, and Bennington. The one 
in Plymouth, 18 miles west of Windsor, is situated at the foot 
of a mountain, near the head of Black River. It has five apart- 
ments, one of which is 30 feet long, 20 broad, and 20 high ; and 
two of the others are nearly equal. The rocks which form the 
cavern are wholly of limestone. Numerous stalactites are found 
here, which resemble icicles hanging from the rocks. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — New Hampshire lies between lat. 42" 41' end 4^ 
11' N. and between long. 70° 40' and 72» 28' W.' It is 168 
4 



SMI' GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

miles longf, from north to south. Its greatest breadth is 90, and 
its least 10 miles, and it embraces an area of 9289 square miles. 

Boundaries. — North by Lower Canada ; east by Maine, and 
the Atlantic ; south by Massachusetts ; and west by the west 
bank of Connecticut River : no part of that river is within the 
jurisdiction of Vermont. The extent of sea coast is 18 miles. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into seven counties, viz. 
Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rocking- 
ham, Strafford ; and 21.3 towns. 

JVame. — This territory received the name of JVew Hampshire 
from Capt. Mason, the original patentee. In the histories of the 
Indian wars, it is also called Capt. Mason^s Patent, and Pisca- 
taqua, from its principal river. 

Religion. — The principal denominations of Christians are 
Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Me- 
thodists, Universalists and Quakers. There is a small society 
of Sandemanians at Portsmouth, and Shakers at Enfield. 

Government. — The governor, senate, consisting of 12 mem- 
bers, and the house of representatives, composed of one from 
each town, are all elected annually, by the males of full age 
paying state taxes. 

The judiciary is composed of a superior court, having four 
judges, which makes two circuits annually through the coun- 
ties ; of an inferior court in each county, having four judges, 
and sitting four time$ in a year ; of a court of general sessions 
in each county, consisting of the justices of tlie peace, sitting 
the same week with the inferior courts ; of a court of probate in 
each county, having one judge, and sitting monthly; and. of 
justices' courts. 

Population. — The number of inhabitants was, in the year 
1810, 214,460 ; in 1820, 244,161. 

Militia. — In 1818, the number of the militia was 25,794. 

Character. — The inhabitants of New Hampshire have tlie 
same general character as the New Englanders. They are tall 
and strong, industrious, well informed, enterprising, frugal, 
religious, and jealous of their rights. 

Literature. — The college of New Hampshire is in Hanover. 
It was called Dartmouth College from William, earl of Dart- 
mouth, one of its principal benefactors ; and stands in a plain 
about half a mile east of Connecticut River. 

Connected with the college is Moore's Charity School. 

There are about 20 academies incorporated in the state. 
That at Exeter, called Phillips' Exeter Academy, has funds 
unounting to about 80,000 dollars. 

Every town is obliged by law to have one or more common 
schools. 

Towns. — Portsmouth, the largest town in the state, and the 
only seaport, had 7827 inhabitants in 1820. It is pleasantly 
situated on the south side of the Piscataqua, 3 miles from the 
sea. It is well built, has a very excellent harbour, and a flour- 
ishing commerce. 



OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 39 

Concord is the seat of government. It is pleasantly situated 
«n the Merrimack, 45 miles north-west of Portsmouth, and con- 
tains a large and elegant state-house of stone, and has consid- 
erable trade. 

Dover, on Cocheco River, 12 miles north-north-west of Ports- 
mouth, and Exeter, on Exeter River, 14 south-west of Ports- 
mouth, are flourishing towns, and have considerable trade and 
manufactures. 

The other considerable towns are Walpole, Claremont, Han- 
over, Hopkinton, Salisbury, Londonderry and Durham. 

Manufactures. — It is chiefly an agricultural state. It has 
considerable manufactures of iron, cotton, woollen, &c., the 
whole annual value of which, in 1810, was estimated at 8,135,000 
dollars. There has since that period been a rapid increase. 
The people generally manufacture their own clothing, and most 
of their domestic utensils and furniture. 

Trade. — The chief articles of export are timber of various 
kinds, dried and pickled fish, whale oO, tar, flaxseed, hemp, 
corn, oxen, horses, sheep, bricks, pot and pearl ashes. The 
amount, in 1822, was 200,000 dollars. 

The imports consist of West India rum, gin, molasses, wine, 
porter, sugars, tea, coffee, cotton, cheese, nails, cordage, steel, 
lead and grindstones. About 27 schooners, and 20 boats, with 
250 men, are employed in the fisheries. The inhabitants in the 
south-west parts of the state trade with Boston ; in the middle 
and north, with Portsmouth ; and in the extreme north with 
Portland. 

Banks. — There are 10 incorporated banks in the state ; at 
Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Concord, Keene, Amherst and Ha- 
verhill. 

Canals and Turnpikes. — Five canals have been formed on 
Connecticut River, two of which are in New Hampshire. By 
these the navigation on this river is opened for nearly 250 
miles from its mouth. Several canals have been formed around 
falls in the Merrimack. Turnpike roads are constructed, inter- 
secting the most important parts of the state. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate is severe, but healthy ; the ice lasts 
three months in the year on the lakes and rivers, which are then 
crossed by loaded wagons. 

Face of the Country. — The shore of New Hampshire is chiefly 
a sandy beach, within which are salt marshes intersected by 
creeks. The surface in the interior rises into mountains, which 
are clothed with wood, except their highest summits. 

Soil and Productions. — The ground is in general very fertile ; 
the uplands afford rich pastures, and the interval lands, along 
the rivers, heavy crops of hay and wheat. In the natural state, 
the varieties of soil may be distinguished by the growth of wood. 
Thus white oak and chestnut indicate a soil that is hard and 
stony ; pitch pine, one that ia dry and sandy ; white pine, a soil 



iO GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

light and dry, but deeper ; spruce and hemlock, a tliin, cold soil ; 
beech and maple, a warm, rich, loamy soil. 

It is observed that winter rye thrives best on new land, and 
maize on loamy or old. 

Mauntain^. — New Hampshire is more distinguished for its 
mountains, than any other state in the Union. Of these tlie 
principal are the White Mountains, which display the most sub- 
lime mountain sce''iery, surpassing every thing else of the kind 
in this country. They are covered with snow 9 or lO montlis 
in the year, and derive their name from their white appearance. 
They are seen many miles off at sea, and a person, when on 
their summit, has a distinct view of the Atlantic Ocean, the 
nearest part of which is 65 miles distant, in a direct line. 

Mount Washington, the highest summit, is 6230 feet above 
the level of the sea. 

Moosehillock, in this range, is 4500 feet high. Sunapee is in 
the same chain farther south ; and still fartlier the Monaduoc, 
the height of which is 3254 feet above the sea ; its summit is a 
bald rock ; on some parts of it are large piles of broken rocks ; 
and the sides present volcanic appearances. 

Rivers. — The Merrimack is formed by two branches, about 
100 miles from its mouth, and falls into the sea at Newburyport. 
This river. Smiles below Concord, falls 15 feet in 30 rods, — 
which have been canalled. 

The Piscataqua is a stream of about 50 mUes in length, and 
empties into the sea at Portsmouth. 

The other considerable rivers, besides the Connecticut, wliich 
is the west boundary of the state, are the Androscoggin, Saco, 
Upper and Lower Ammonoosuc, Souhegan River, Ashuelot, and 
Contoocook. 

Lakes. — Winnipiseogee, the largest lake, situated in the cen- 
tral part of the state, is 23 miles long. It is a beautiful lake, of 
very irregular form, and is surrounded by the most romantic 
scenery. Other lakes are the Umbagog, Ossapee, Sunapee, 
Squam, and Newfound Lakes. 

Minerals. — Iron ore is found in great quantities at Franconia, 
where there are extensive iron works. 

Curiosities. — The JVotch, or Gap, in the White Mountains, is 
esteemed one of the greatest natural curiosities in the United 
States. It is a narrow defile, extending two miles in length, 
between two huge cliffs, apparently rent asunder by some vast 
convulsion of nature. The road from Lancaster to Portland 
passes through this opening, following the course of the head 
branch of the Saco, which has its source in a pond of one or two 
acres, situated near the road. The entrance of the chasm is 
fdrmed by two rocks standing perpendicularly, at the distance 
of only 22 feet from each other. The whole mountain, which 
otherwise forms a continued range, is here cloven quite down 
to its base, opening a free passage for the waters of the Saco. 
The Gap is so narrow, that space has been obtained with diffi- 
culty for the road. The crags and precipices on both sides rise 



OF MAINE. 41 

with great steepness, forming a support for the irregular ridges 
above. 

In the township of Franconia is a singular curiosity, called 
the Profile. The high peak on which it is situated rises ab- 
ruptly, presenting a bold front of solid rock, a side view of 
which exhibits a complete profile of the human face. 

In the township of Chester are two remarkable caves. One, 
called the Devil's Den, is in Mine Hill in the western part. The 
liill is half a mile in diameter, and about 400 feet high, almost 
perpendicular on the south side. The entrance of the cave, 
which is on the south side, is 10 yards above the base, and, after 
a passage, varying in its dimensions, 25 feet in length, opens 
into the principal apartment, which is 15 or 20 feet square, 3 
or 4 feet high, floored and ceiled by a regular rock. From the 
ceiling are dependent numerous stalactites or excrescences, in 
the form of pears, whose polished surfaces reflect a torch light 
with innumerable hues and uncommon brilliancy. 

The other cave is on the west side of Rattle-snake Hill, 7 
miles south-west of the meeting-house. The principal entrance 
is 11 feet high and 4 wide. It extends 20 feet into the«ide of 
the hill, and, after forming a semicircle of 53 feet in length, 
passes out the same side. 

Other curiosities are Bellows' Falls, on the Connecticut, at 
Walpole, and the Great Boards Head, a promontory in Hampton. 



MAINE. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent and Boundaries. — Maine lies between lat. 43° 4' and 
47° 50' N., and between Ion. 64° 54' and 70° 40' W. Its shape 
is nearly that of a rhombus, and it contains 32,000 square miles. 
The eastern line, which separates this state from New Bruns- 
wick, is 150 miles long ; the southern, on the Atlantic, 207 ; the 
western, which divides it from New Hampshire, 150 ; and the 
northern, dividing it from Lower Canada, 220. 

Divisions. — Maine is divided into nine counties, Cumberland, 
Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset, 
Washington, York ; and has 243 towns. 

Religion. — The prevailing religious sects are Congregation- 
alists and Baptists. There are some Methodists, Episcopalians, 
Catholics and Universalists. 

Government. — Maine was a dependency of Massachusetts 
until 1820, when it received a constitution as an independent 
state, and became a member of the federal body. The governor- 
senate, and house of representatives are all elected annually, by 
the male inhabitants of the age of 21 and upwards. 

Population. — The population, which, in 1790, amounted only 
ta 96,540, was found to be 298,325 in 1820. 

Character. — Their character resembles that of the other in- 
4* 



43 GEOGBAPHICAJL VIEW 

habitants of New England ; they are moral, active, industrious, 
and enterprising. 

Literature. — Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, is a respectable 
and flourishing institution, ana has a medical school connected 
with it. At Waterville there is a college under the direction of 
the Baptists ; and at Bangor a literary and theological seminary, 
supported by the Congregationalists. There are schools in al- 
most every township, besides twenty-five academies in the more 
populous places. 

Towns. — Portland is much the largest town in Maine, con- 
taining, in 1820, 8,600 inhabitants. It is delightfully situated 
on a peninsula in Casco Bay, is well built, and has one of the 
best harbours in the world, and an extensive commerce. 

Bath, on the Kennebec, 13 miles from the sea ; Hallowell, on 
the same river, about 27 miles above Bath ; and Brunswick, on 
the Androscoggin, 7 miles west of Bath, are flourishing- towns, 
and have considerable trade. Eastport, in Passamaquoddy Bay, 
on the eastern border of the state, has a flourishing commerce. 
The other most considerable towns are Castine, Augusta, Wia- 
casset, Bangor, Kennebunk, Saco and York. 

Manufactures. — The manufactures are chiefly domestic, and 
were estimated at 2,138,000 dollars in 1810. 

Commerce. — Maine enjoys great facilities for commerce. The 
coast is indented with bays, abounding in excellent harbours. 
A great part of the state is yet unsettled, and covered with 
forests. The chief exports are timber and fish. 

Banks. — The banks in Maine are the Portland, Maine, Lin- 
coln and Kennebec, Saco, Hallowell and Augusta; and there 
are banks at Bangor and Waterville. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — ^The climate, though severe, having five months of 
frost and snow, is remarkably healthy. T'he weather in this 
country is more regular in the winter than in the Southern States. 

Face of the Country. — The state of Maine is an elevated 
country, but rather uneven than hilly or mountainous. The 
land rises very gradually from the coast, and most is capable of 
cultivation. There is no range of mountains of any conse- 
quence, except the high land on the southern frontier. 

Soil and Agriculttire. — It contains much poor soil along the 
coast, but the land between the Kennebec and the Penobscot 
Rivers is excellent, and well adapted to tillage and pasture. 
Wheat, rye, oats and barley are cultivated ; but pasturage and 
the feeding of cattle are leading objects of attention. 

Bays and Harbours. — The most considerable bays are Casco, 
Penobscot, Frenchman's and Passamaquoddy. The harbours 
are Lubec, Machias, Goldsboro', Castine, Owlshead, Waldo- 
boro', Bristol, Wiscasset, York, Portland, Saco and Kennebunk. 

Rivers. — The Penobscot rises from the lakes in the north- 
west part of the state, and flows into Penobscot Bay. It is 
navigable to Bangor, 52 miles above the mouth of the bay. 



OF MASSACHUSETTS. 43 

The Kennebec is formed of two branches ; one comes from 
Moosehead Lake. It flows into the ocean 13 miles below Bath, 
and is navigable, for vessels of 150 tons, to Hallowell, 40 miles ; 
and for boats to Waterville. This river waters a fine tract of 
country, and there are upon its banks several flourishing towns. 

The St. Croix is an inconsiderable stream, noticeable princi- 
pally as a part of the eastern boundary of the United States. 
The other principal rivers are the Androscoggin and the Saco. 

Lakes. — Some of the most considerable lakes are the Moose- 
head, tlie Umbagog, lying partly in New Hampshire, the Sebago, 
and the Schoodic. 

Islands. — The islands along the coast are numerous. Some 
of the principal are Long Island, Deer Island, Mount Desert, 
Seguin Island, and the Fox Islands. 

Mountains. — The Spencer Mountains lie east of Moose Lake, 
8 or 10 miles distant. One of the summits is very high. Mount 
Kinio lies in a peninsula on the east side of Moosehead Lake, 
about midway from north to south. It is very high, and the 
east side is nearly perpendicular. Its substance is granite. 

N'utural Curiosity. — In Hollis, on the north-west sida of the 
Saco, is a spring, remarkable for the phenomena which it ex- 
hibits. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.— This state lies between lat. 41® 23' and 43° 52' N., 
and between Ion. 69° 50' and 73° 10' W. Its length, on the 
northern line, is 1.30 miles ; on the southern, from New York to 
Cape Cod, 190. Its breadth, in the west, is 50 miles ; farther 
east, it is almost 100 ; and on the cape it does not exceed 1.5. 

Boundaries. — Massachusetts is bounded on the north by 
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Bay ; on the east 
by the same bay and the Atlantic ; on the south by the Atlantic, 
Rhode Island and Connecticut ; on the west by Rhode Island 
and New York. 

Divisions. — Massachusetts is divided into 14 counties, viz. 
Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Duke's, Essex, Franklin, Ham- 
den, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, 
Suftblk, Worcester ; and 300 towns. 

JVame, — The name Massachusetts was aboriginal, and be- 
longed to a numerous tribe of Indians, that lived in the neigh- 
bourhood of Boston. The south-eastern part of the state was 
called Plymouth, or the Colony of Plymouth. In a few of the 
earliest grants, the north-eastern part of the state was called Ma- 
riana. Many of the common people of New England have always 
called Massachusetts the Bay State, because, before the revolu- 
tion, its name was the Colony,oT Province, of Massachusetts Bay. 

Religion. — The Congregationalists are three times more nu- 
merous in this state than any other sect. The next in number 



44 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

are the Baptists. There are also some Methodists, Episcopali- 
ans, and Universalists. 

Government. — The executive consists of a governor, lieuten- 
ant-governor, and a council of 9 members. The legislature, 
called also the general court, consists of a senate and house of 
representatives, chosen annually by the people. 

The judiciary is composed of a supreme court, of 5 judges, 
and sitting twice a year in each county ; county coui'ts, having 
5 judges ; a court of probate in each county ; and justices' courts. 

Population.— The population was 378,787 in 1790, and had 
increased to 523,287 in 1820. Massachusetts is the most 
densely peopled of any state in the Union. 

Militia. — The militia, embracing the greatest part of the 
active citizens between the ages of 18 and 45, armed and or- 
ganized, amounted, in 1818, to 73,194. 

Banks. — There are more than 30 banks of discount and de- 
posit in Massachusetts, 8 of which are in Boston, and the rest 
are scattered over the state. 

Manners. — The state of society in Massachusetts is gene- 
rally desirable. Most of the inhabitants attend public worship 
on the Sabbath, and good order and sobriety prevail through the 
week. The great body of the people are agriculturalists, and 
are the proprietors of the soil. 

Literature. — The literary institutions of Massachusetts are 
well supported and flourishing. Harvard University in Cam- 
bridge is the most ancient, best endowed, and most extensive 
literary institution in the United States. It comprises 4 depart- 
ments, one for under-graduates, and one for students preparing 
for the professions of theology, law and medicine. There are, . 
including all the departments, 20 professors ; and the library, 
which is the largest in the United States, contains about 26,000 
volumes. 

Williams' College is a respectable seminary at Williamstown, 
in the N. W. corner of the state. 

There is a flourishing college at Amherst, incorporated in 
182(J. At Andover, 20 miles N. of Boston, there is a richly 
endowed Theological Seminary, which has 4 professors, and 
about 140 students. Phillips' Academy, at the same place, is 
one of the best endowed and most respectable institutions of 
the kind in the Union. There are about 30 other academies in 
the state. By law every town, containing fifty families, is bound 
to maintain a common English school ; and every town with 
200 families is to maintain a school for Greek and Latin. 

Toiims. — Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is the literary 
and commercial metropolis of New England, and contains 
43,040 inhabitants. It is built cliiefly on a peninsula of uneven 
surface, at the head of Massachusetts Bay, and is nearly three 
miles long, and upwards of one mile, where widest, broad. It 
is connected with the main land by a narrow isthmus, called 
the JVeck, leading to Roxbury. The harbour is excellent, and 
so capacious that 500 vessels may ride at anchor in good depth 



OP MASSACHUSETTS. 45 

of water ; while the entrance is so narrow as scarcely to admit 
two ships abreast. It is finely situated for commerce, and has 
i more shipping than any other city in the United States, except 
|New York, and is a place of great trade and opulence. It con- 
' tains 155 streets, 27 lanes, and about 80 wharves and quays. 
The city is irregularly laid out; many of the streets are narrow 
jand crooked ; and in the north part the houses are mostly of 
iwood, and many of them mean. But in the parts recently built, 
the streets are wider, and the private buildings display more 
j elegance and splendour than in any other city in the Union. 
Among the public buildings are the state-house, the Massachu- 
setts hospital, and 30 places of public worship. The state- 
house, a large brick edifice, has a noble and commanding situa- 
I lion, on ground elevated about 100 feet above the level of tlie 
harbour, and is a very conspicuous object. It is 173 feet in 
front, and its dome is 50 feet in diameter, terminated by a cir- 
cular lantern, at an elevation of 100 feet from its foundation. 
The prospect from the top is exceedingly magnificent and beau- 
tiful, surpassing any thing of the kind in this country, and will 
bear a comparison with Castle Hill of Edinburgh, the famous 
Bay of Naples, or any other of the most picturesque scenes of 
Europe. Here may be seen at a view the city, with its ship- 
ping and buildings ; the harbour, studded with about 40 small 
islands ; Charles River ; a fine country, ornamented with elegant 
country seats, and more than 20 flourishing towns and villages. 
[n front of the state-house is the Common, containing 44 acres, 
surrounded by the Mall, an extensive and most delightful public 
walk. On Central Wharf is an immense pile of building, 1,240 
feet in length, 4 stories high, containing 54 stores, having a spa- 
cious hall in the centre, on which is erected an observatory. 
Boston may also be considered as the literary capital of the 
United States, so far as regards native publications, and no city 
of its size in the world is so well supplied with common schools. 
It has been distinguished in the history of this country, and took 
a conspicuous part in the revolution. 

Sa.lem, 14 miles north-east of Boston, is a pleasant and hand- 
some town, the second in New England in population, wealth, 
and commerce, and is largely concerned in the East India 
tra'le. The population is 13,000. 

Newburyport, on the Merrimack, 3 miles from the sea, and 24 
north of Salem, is a handsome town, delightfully situated, and 
has considerable commerce. 

Marblehead, 4 miles south-east of Salem, is more largely 
concerned in the Bank fisheries than any other town in the 
United States. Population, 5,G00. 

Beverly, connected with Salem by a bridge, and Gloucester, 
16 miles north-east of Salem, are also largely concerned in the 
fisheries. 

Charlestown, connected with Boston by Charles River bridge, 
has considerable trade and manufactures, and contains the U. S. 



40 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

navy yard, the state prison, and the Massachusetts insane hos- 
pital. Population 6,600. 

Cambridge, 3 miles north-north-west of Boston, ia a consider- 
able town, and famous for its university. 

Plymouth, 36 miles south-south-east of Boston, is remarkable 
for being the oldest town in New England, and has considerable 
trade. The settlement was commenced in Dec. 1620, by 101 
Puritans. 

Nantucket, on an island of the same name, carries on more 
trade in the whale fishery than any other town in the Union. 
It contains upwards of 7,000 inhabitants, nearly one half of 
whom are Friends. The whole number of whale ships owned 
here, in 1822, was 88. 

New Bedford, on an arm of the sea, which makes up from 
Buzzard's Bay, has considerable commerce, and is also largely 
concerned in the whale fishery. Population, 4,000, 

Worcester, 39 miles west by south of Boston, is a handsome 
town, and has an extensive inland trade. 

Springfield, on Connecticut River, 88 miles west by south 
of Boston, is a considerable and flourishing town, and contains 
a large United States armoury. 

Northampton, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Taunton, Dedham, Ha- 
verhill, Concord, Roxbury, Medford, and many others, are very 
pleasant inland towns. 

Manufactures. — The amount of manufactures in this state, in 
1810, was 21,900,000 dollars. The chief articles are cottons, 
articles of tanned leather, cordage, wrought and cast iron, nails, 
woollens, ships, straw bonnets, hats, cabinet work, flour, paper, 
oil, soap, muskets, bricks, carriages and duck. 

Lynn is the principal seat of the shoe manufacture ; West 
Cambridge and Boston, of card manufactories. Window glass 
and other glass ware, equal to any that is imported, is made at 
Boston. 

Commerce. — Massachusetts has the principal share of the 
fisheries, and a greater amount of commerce and shipping than 
any other state. The amount of exports, in the year 1822, was 
12,599,000 dollars. In 1817, Massachusetts paid into the treas- 
ury of the United States more than a seventh part of the reve- 
nue. The chief exports are fish, beef, lumber, pork, ardent 
spirits, furniture, flax-seed, and the more important manufactures 
abovenamed. 

Canals. — There are two canals at South Hadley. Middlesex 
Canal connects the Merrimack with Boston. The whole dis- 
tance is 30 miles. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The state is uneven and hilly generally, 
and mountainous near its western extremity. The south-eastern 
part of the state, including the counties of Plymouth, Bristol 
and Barnstable, is chiefly a plain. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil in the southern parts is 



OF MASSACHUSETTS. 47 

sandy ; in the rest of the state it is generally strong, and well 
adapted either for grazing or grain. The agriculture is better 
conducted than that of any other state, except Connecticut and 
Pennsylvania. The average produce, per acre, of the good 
lands, is estimated to be thirty bushels of corn, thirty of barley, 
twenty of wheat, fifteen of rye, and two hundred of potatoes. 
Tlie ox is more used than the horse, in agriculture. 

Mountains. — The Taghconnuc range traverses the western 
tier of towns in the county of Berkshire ; the highest summit in 
(his range is in Sheffield, and is 3000 feet high. The range of 
the Green Mountains extends from north to south through the 
western part of the state. Saddle Mpuntain, in Williamstown, 
is 4500 feet high, and is the highest land in the state. 

The Mount Tom range runs north-north-east to the southern 
line of Northampton, where Connecticut River passes between 
Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke. Mount Tom, the highest 
summit in tlie range, is 1320 feet above the river, and 1500 
above the sea. Mount Holyoke, on the other side of the river, 
is about 250 feet lower than Mount Tom. From the top of it is 
presented a most extensive and delightful view of the country 
bordering on Connecticut River. 

The White Mountain range runs up through the county of 
flampshire, traversing the middle of the towns east of the river. 
Wachusett, in Princeton, is 2989 feet above the level of the sea. 

Rivers. — The Connecticut divides the counties of Hampshire, 
[lampden and Franklin. The Housatonic runs through most 
if Berkshire, but is really a river of Connecticut. The sources 
>f the Quinebog, a branch of the Thames, are also in this state, 
rhe Merrimack has been described. The Pawtucket also runs 
I considerable distance here. 

Taunton River rises in the north-east part of Plymouth, and 
jursues a south-west course to Narragansett Bay. 

Charles River heads in a pond in Hopkinton, and pursues a 
;ery circuitous route, but on the whole a north-east direction, 
Boston harbour, where it enters, after passing Charlestown. 

The other rivers are the Mystic, Nashua, Concord, whicli 
eeds the Middlesex Canal, the Chicapee, Deerfield, Westfield, 
md Miller's. 

Bays. — Massachusetts Bay lies between Cape Cod and Cape 
\nn. Barnstable Bay comprises the southern part of Massa- 
chusetts Bay. Buzzard's Bay lies on the south-west side of the 
leninsula of Cape Cod. Boston Bay sets up between Alderton 
md Nahant Points, about 8 miles. 

Capes. — The most noted capes are Cape Cod, Cape Ann^ 
Ilape Malabar, Cape Poge, Gayhead and Sandy Point. 

Peninsula. — The peninsula of Cape Cod comprises the county 
)f Barnstable, the most easterly part of the state. It is mostly 
L sandy barren, and the inhabitants chiefly obtain their subsist- 
mce from the seas. 

Islands. — The most considerable are Martha's Vineyard, 
Slantucket, the Elizabeth Islands, and Plum Island. 



49 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Mineralogy, — Iron ore is abundant, particularly in tlie three 
south-eastern counties. Several mines of black lead have been 
discovered in Hampshire ; and quarries of marble in several 
places in Berkshire. 

Curiosities. — Lynn Beach, which is a mile and a half lon^, 
and connects the peninsula of ISJahant with the main land, is 
regarded as a curiosity. Nahant is a remarkable promontory in 
the township of Lynn, 9 miles north-east of Boston by water, 
and 15 by land. It is a peninsula of a very irregular outline 
and surface, comprising about 550 acres. It is connected with 
the main land Ity a very narrow and straight isthmus, consisting 
of a delightful beach, of a mile and a half in length. Nothing 
can be finer than a ride over this smooth beach of hard sand, 
while the surf is rolling up alongside, and bursting in foam. 
The coast of the promontory is composed of ragged, precipitous 
rocks, wliich overhang the sea, and, on the southern shore, are 
more than 100 feet in height. Nahanfe commands a prospect 
over a large part of Massachusetts Bay, and presents some of 
the finest marine views that can be seen. After a storm, with 
an easterly wind, the foaming and dashing of the waves of the 
agitated ocean against the precipitous rocks, afford a most sub- 
lime spectacle. In the hottest weather in the summer, the sea 
breezes are, on this peninsula, cool and refreshing. 

In Adams there is a singular chasm formed by a branch of 
the River Hoosac. This chasm is scooped into an endless vari- 
ety of forms, some of them arched in the horizontal, and others 
in the perpendicular direction. The natural bridge, which lies 
over this stream, is formed of a huge mass of limestone. It is 
14 feet long, 10 broad, and 62 feet high. About 20 feet directly 
under this bridge is another, of nearly the same dimensions. 
The stream runs from 20 to 30 feet below the lower bridge. 



RHODE ISLAND. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — This state is situated between 41° 17' and 42" N. 
lat., and between 71° 6' and 71° 52' W. Ion. Its north line is 
29 miles long, and its west, 49. Rhode Island contains about 
1580 square miles, and is the smallest state in the Union. 

Boundaries. — It is bounded north and east by Massachusetts ; 
south by the Atlantic ; and west by Connecticut. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into 5 counties, and 31 towns. 

Religion. — The Baptists are the most numerous denomina- 
tion. The tenets of most of them are Calvinistic. The other 
denominations are Congregationalists and Episcopalians. The 
clergy are maintained by the voluntary contributions of their 
people. 

Government. — This state, unlike the other members of the 
Federal Union, has no written constitution, being still governed, 
by the charter granted by Charles II. in 1631 ; in virtue of 



* OP RHODE ISLAND. 49 

which the people annually elect a senate and house of repre- 
sentatives, who exercise the legislative power, and a governor, 
who exercises the executive. 

Population. — The population of the state was 68,828 in 1790 ; 
and 83,059 in 1820. 

Militia. — The militia in this state amounted, in 1817, to 8350 
men, organized and disciplined in a manner similar to the rest 
of the New England militia. 

Literature. — Brown University, a respectable and flourishing 
seminary, is at Providence. A majority of the trustees are 
Baptists. At the same place the Friends have a large boarding 
school. There are 9 academical schools in the state. 

Towns. — Providence, situated on Providence River, a little 
above the head of Narragansett Bay, 35 miles from the ocean, 
and 40 south-west of Boston, is the largest town in the- state, 
and the third in size in New England, having, in 1820, 11,787 
inhabitants. It is a handsome and flourishing town, has an ex- 
tensive trade, and is distinguished for its manufactures. 

Newport, situated on the south-west end of the island of 
Rhode Island, 30 miles south of Providence, is celebrated for 
the beauty of its situation, the salubrity of its climate, for the 
great variety of its fish, and the excellence of its harbour, which 
is one of the best in the world. 

Bristol, 15 miles south of Providence, is a pleasant, wealthy, 
and commercial town. 

Warren, 4 miles north of Bristol, is a pleasant town, and has 
some commerce. 

Pawtucket, at the Falls, so called, 4 miles north-east of Prov- 
idence, is a flourishing manufacturing village. 

fawtuxet, 5 miles south of Providence, has considerable trade 
manufactures. 

Manufactures. — Rhode Island, in proportion to its population, 
is the most considerable manufacturing state in the Union, con- 
taining from 90 to 100 cotton miUs, and a vast number of power 
looms. 

Commerce. — Its commerce is considerable, but chiefly witli 
other parts of the United States. 

Banks. — There are more than 30 banks in this small state, 
more than one half of which number are in the three principal 
towns. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate is one of the most salubrious of the 

United States. It is somewhat damper than Connecticut. The 

winters are a little milder, but the north-east winds are more 

unpleasant, though less so than on the eastern coast. The 

{ summers are delightful. 

I Face of the Country. — The northern and western parts are 
j hilly and rocky, and the hills continue, though with small eleva- 
^ tion, through the northern third of the state. The rest of the 
country is chiefly level. 
5 



S& GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Sail and Productions. — ^The country bordering on NarragaU' 
sett Bay is very fertile. In the northern and western parts, 
the soil is thin and lean. Agriculture is not very flourishing, 
except in the islands, which have been styled the Garden of 
New England. Grazing is an important occupation. 

Rivers. — The principu rivers are the Pawtucket, Providence, 
Pawtuxet, Pawcatuck and Wood Rivers. 

Bays. — Narragansett Bay extends up from south to north 
about 28 miles, intersecting the state. It is about 10 miles wide. 

Providence Bay sets up 15 miles north-north-west from Nar- 
ragansett Bay, and is from 1 to 3 miles wide. 

Islands. — Rhode Island, from which the state takes its name, 
is 15 miles long, and on an average 3J broad, and, on account 
of its salubrity, fertility and beauty, has been styled the Eden of 
America. Other islands are Canonnicut, Prudence, Patience, 
Hope, Dyer's and Hog Islands, all included in Narragansett 
Bay ; and Block Island, off the coast, in the Atlantic. 

Mountain. — Mount Haup, or Mount Hope, on the west side 
of the bay of the same name, is an inconsiderable eminence, 
famous as the residence of King Philip. 

Mineralogy. — Iron is found in great plenty in several places. 
There is a mine in a valley near Pawtucket River, about 12 
miles from Providence. Limestone is found in great abundance 
in Providence county ; and a valuable coal mine has recently 
been discovered in the north part of Rhode Island. 

Curiosities. — The Falls of Pawtucket, at the village of that 
name, are much admired. The descent is about 50 feet. 

In Warwick, about 10 miles south-south-west of Providence, 
is a huge rock, so completely balanced upon another, that a boy 
of 14 years of age may put it in motion. The sound produced 
by the collision is somewhat like that of a drum, though more 
sonorous, and may be heard, in a still evening, at a distance of 
7 or 8 miles. Hence, from time immemorial, it has been called 
Drum Rock. It is much visited as an interesting curiosity. 



CONNECTICUT. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — This state lies between lat. 41* and 42" N. and be- 
tween Ion. 71" 29' and 73*' 24' W. It contains 4674 square 
miles. 

Boundaries. — Bounded north by Massachusetts ; east by 
Rhode Island ; south by Long Island Sound ; west by New 
York. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 8 counties, which are 
Bubdivided into 119 townships. 

Name. — The name of the state is derived from Connecticut 
River, a Moheakannew word, signifying long river. In the 
earliest records, the name is Q^uonehtacut and Quonehtiquot. 

Religion. — In 1818, there were 213 Congregational, 69 Epis- 



X 



OP CONNECTICUT. 51 

cbpalian, and 70 Baptist churches in the Btate. The Episcopal 
congregations average about 40 families, or 250 individuals; 
the Baptist congregations are about the same size ; those of the 
Congregationalists, about 1000 individuals. Liberty of con- 
science, in its full extent, is enjoyed in Connecticut. 

Government. — The charter of Charles 11. contained the con- 
stitution till 1818. Till this period the legislature was styled the 
general assembly, and was composed of a council and house of 
representatives. The council consisted of a governor, lieuten- 
ant-governor, and 12 assistants. They were all chosen annually 
by the people. The new constitution does not materially alter 
the fundamental principles of the former, but reduces these 
principles to the customary form of a constitution. 

Population. — Its population has increased more slowly than 
any other state, being 237,946 in 1790, and 275,248 in 1820. 
Were it not for the tide of emigration, which is continually roll- 
ing to the west, Connecticut would be unrivalled in the increase 
of its population. 

Militia. — The militia of this state amounted, in 1818, to 
90,593. Composed of freemen and landholders, they would be 
formidable to any assailants of their rights. 

Revenue. — The funds of the state were, in 1811, 421,871 dol- 
lars. This, added to the school fund, makes a sum total of near- 
ly two millions. The state owes no debt of any kind whatsoever. 

Manners and Customs. — The inhabitants are, almost to a man, 
cf English origin. Their ancestors emigrated from England to 
enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty. The institu- 
tions, which they founded, have produced a happy state of society- 
There are few men very rich, and few very poor : aU the male 
inhabitants, arrived to manhood, can read and write, and cast 
accounts ; and great numbers of them have a collegiate educa- 
tion. Their houses, equipage, dress and food, are good, but 
plain and simple. The good order of the people is singular, 
particularly on public occasions. 

Banks. — There are 14 banks in the state, distributed among 
the principal towns of each county. 

Literature. — Connecticut is distinguished for its attention to 
education. 

Yale College, in New Haven, is one of the most eminent and 
flourishing literary institutions in the United States. There are 
connected with it respectable medical and theological schools. 

Washington College, in Hartford, is now in its infancy, but 
its prospects are flattering. Hartford is also the seat of the first 
institution established in the country for the education of the 
deaf and dumb ; and of a Retreat for the Insane, designed for 
the whole state. 

There is at Middletown a respectable institution, called "the 
American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy." 

At Litchfield, 30 miles west of Hartford, is a respectable Imo 
sthool. There are in the state about 30 academies, of which 
those at Cheshire and Colchester are the most important. Th« 



52 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

state has a fund of nearly 2,000,000 dollars, the interest of which 
is appropriated to the support of common schools. . 

Towns. — There are five incorporated cities, Hartford, New 
Haven, New London, Middletown and Norwich. 

Hartford, pleasantly situated on the Connecticut, 50 miles 
from its mouth, at the head of sloop navigation, is well huilt, and 
has flourishing manufactures, and considerable trade. 

New Haven, situated on a bay which extends up from Long 
Island Sound, 34 miles south-west of Hartford, is a remarkably 
pleasant town, and has considerable commerce. The sessions of 
the legislature are held alternately at Hartford and New Haven, 

New London, near the mouth of the Thames, has the best 
harbour in the state. 

Norwich, on the Thames, at the head of navigation, 14 miles 
north of New London, and Middletown, on Connecticut River, 
14 miles south of Hartford, are both places of considerable im- 
portance in trade and manufactures. 

Bridgeport, Stonington, Litchfield, Fairfield, Danbury, Wind- 
ham, Weathersfield, Farraington, Windsor, East Windsor, Suf- 
field. East Hartford, Haddam, and several others, are pleasant 
towns. 

Manufactures. — Connecticut is distinguished for manufactures, 
particularly of tin ware, which is sent into all parts of the United 
States. 

In East Hartford are glass works, a snuff and powder mill, 
paper mills and iron works. In Salisbury and Norwich are ex- 
tensive iron works; and buttons, clocks and paper are manu- 
factured in several towns. 

In Goshen, Litchfield, and Simsbury, extensive woollen man- 
ufactories have been established, and at New Haven is a large 
and splendid manufactory of fire arms. 

The amount, in 1818, was 7,800,000 dollars. 

Canals and Bridges. — There is a canal nearly completed, 
extending from New Haven, through Farmington, to Southwick. 
It is contemplated to continue it to Northampton, in Massachu- 
setts, and thence to Vermont. 

An elegant bridge is built over the Connecticut at Hartford. 
It is built upon the chord of the arch, and is pronounced a 
specimen of finished workmanship. A bridge over the Housa- 
tOnic, at Stratford, is also a work of much beauty and excellence. 

Commerce. — There are five ports of entry in Connecticut. 
Almost all the produce of the western part of the state is entered 
at the New York custom-house, and the exports in the coasting 
trade are greater than those in the foreign. The amount of 
exports, in 1822, was $485,000. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — No climate is probably more favourable to health 
and longevity than that of Connecticut. The winters in gene- 
ral are severe ; on the shore the weather is variable, in the in- 
terior it is cold but serene. The north-west wind is cool, dry, 



OF CONNECTICUT. 63 

and in a high degree refreshing. The north-east wind is damp, 
raw, and tempestuous. Most of the violent storms come with 
this wind. 

Face of the Country. — The shore is every where indented 
with small bays and harbours. The whole country is well wa- 
tered with rivers and brooks. But a small part of the state is 
mountainous, and but little of it is level. The hills are of a 
moderate size, and occur in quick succession, furnishing an 
agreeable variety of prospects. 

Soil and Agriculture. — The great body of the state is excel- 
lent land, fitted for all the purposes of agriculture. Much of it 
has been under cultivation for the greater part of a century, and 
still retains its original strength. The county of Fairfield is the 
best in the state, and the farmers there, as a body, are remarka- 
bly thrifty and prosperous. The interval land on the Connecti- 
cut, and some townships on the coast, are of a superior quality. 
Indian corn is the most abundant crop, and oats and flax are 
raised extensively. Immense numbers of neat cattle and swine 
are annually fattened, and the beef and pork of this state are 
of acknowledged excellence. 

The number of sheep has of late much increased, and the 
breed is improved since the introduction of Merinos by Col. 
Humphreys. 

Rivers. — The Connecticut, which has already been mention- 
ed in the preceding states, runs through the counties of Hart- 
ford and Middlesex, dividing the state into nearly equal parts. 
It is navigable for sloops and steamboats to Hartford, and for 
boats a considerable distance farther. A company has recently 
been incorporated, to improve tlie navigation of this stream, so 
as to render it the means of easy and direct transportation to 
the interior of Vermont. 

The Housatonic rises in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, 
and, ruWing in a direction almost due south, enters Connecti- 
cut between Canaan and Salisbury. About 7 miles from the 
line of the state, it is precipitated over a perpendicular fall 60 
feet in height. This is the finest cataract in New England. 
This river pursues a southerly course through the state, and 
empties into Long Island Sound, between Milford and Stratford. 
Its whole length is about 140 miles. 

Tlie Thames has two principal sources. The eastern takes 
its rise in a pond in Sturbridge, Massachusetts', and runs in a 
direction west of south, till it joins the western branch a little 
above Norwich. Below this 17 miles, it empties into the sound. 
The other considerable rivers are the Farmington and the 
Naugatuck. 

Mountains. — The Taghconnuc range, commencing in Ridge- 
field, runs northward near the western line of the state. Mount 
Tom, the highest summit in the eastern branch of this range, 
is about 500 feet high. West Rock, the southern extremity of 
the east ridge of the Green Mountains, is a fine perpendicular 
bluff, fronting south, 400 feet high, and two miles north-west of 
5* 



54 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

New Haven. East Rock, the southern termination of the 
Mount Tom range, is a similar bluff, 370 feet high, at the same 
distance east-north-east of New Haven. The Blue Hills, in 
Southington, are three noble eminences in this range. The White 
Mountain range has no distinguished summits in Connecticut. 

Talcot Mountain is situated in Farmington, 8 miles west of 
Hartford. Near the summit is a lake of the purest water, about 
half a mile long, with a delightful villa close by it, built in the 
Gothic style, and forming a delightful summer house. One the 
summit, near the edge of the precipice, stands a hexagon tower, 
.°)5 feet in height, and the top of which is 960 feet above the 
level of the Connecticut. This spot is called Monte Video, and 
is remarkable for the beauty of its scenery, and for its extensive 
and delightful prospects. The diameter of the view, in two di- 
rections, is more than 90 miles, and comprises the spires of 
more than 30 of the nearest towns and villages. 

Botany. — The forest trees of Connecticut are the white, 
black, red, and mountain oak ; chestnut ; white, bitter, and shag- 
bajk walnut ; butternut ; white and swamp ash ; red and sugar 
maple ; buttonwood ; white, yellow, and pitch pine ; red, white, 
and yellow willow ; beech ; white and black poplar ; birch ; bass 
wood ; fir ; and hemlock. 

Mineralogy. — Iron mines are found in Salisbury, Canaan, 
Colebrook, Stafford, Kent, and Ridgefield, and the metal is 
abundant. Lead ore is found in Milford. Copper ore has been 
found in Fairfield. There is a mine of cobalt in Chatham, and 
antimony has been dug in Glastonbury. Marble abounds in 
Washington, New Milford and Canaan. A quarry of superior 
beauty has been discovered in Milford, near New Haven. There 
are excellent quarries of freestone in Chatham, East Windsor, 
and other places. 

Mineral Waters. — At Stafford, 25 miles east of Hartford, is a 
chalybeate spring, which is the most celebrated fountain of 
mineral waters in the Eastern States. 



NEW YORK. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — ^This state lies between lat. 40" 40' and 45° N., and 
between long. 73" and 79" 55' W. The length of the state, on 
the parallel of 42°, is 340 miles. The greatest breadth, from 
north to south, is 300 miles. The number of square miles, 
exclusive of the islands, is 45,000. 

Boundaries. — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Long Island 
Sound, bound it on the south. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and 
Vermont, from which it is separated by Lake Champlain, bound 
it on the east ; and it has Lower Canada, the St. Lawrence, 
Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Pennsylvania, on the north 
and west. This is the only state which extends across the 
- wbole United States, from the Atlantic to the western waters. 



OF NEW YORK. 65 

Divisions. — New York is formed into four districts, which 
are divided into counties. The counties are subdivided into 560 
townships. Southern District, — King's, New York, Queen's, 
Richmond, Suffolk, West Chester, Brooklyn. Middle District, — 
Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, 
Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster. East District, — Albany, Clinton, 
Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, Renselaer, Saratoga, 
Schenectady, Warren, Washington. Western District, — Alle- 
ghany, Broome, Cataraugus, Cayuga, Chatauque, Chenango, 
Courtlandt, Erie, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livings- 
ton, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, 
Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, 
Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Yates. 

JVame. — New York and the adjoining territories were origi- 
nally called JVew Virginia. The Dutch gave, in 1614, to this 
state the name of JVew JVetherlands. This name it retained till 
1664, when it was called J^ew York, in honour of the duke of 
York. 

Religion. — The prevailing religious sects are the Presbyte- 
rians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists, Dutch Reformed, 
German Lutherans, Quakers, &c. — all of which support their 
own preachers without receiving any assistance from the state. 

Government. — The constitution, as amended in 1821, vests 
the legislative power in a senate and house of representatives, 
elected, the former for four years, the latter for one, by all the 
free citizens paying state taxes. The executive is composed of 
a governor, lieutenant-governor, and council of appointment. 
The governor is chosen every three years. 

Population. — The population, in the interval between 1790 
and 1820, increased from 340,120, to 1,372,812,— a rate of in- 
crease not paralleled in any of the old states. 

Militia. — The whole number of males, between the age of 18 
and 45, was, in 1819, 180,652. The official return was, infantry, 
109,274; artillery, 7,326; light artillery, 754 ; cavalry, 1,142; 
total, 118,496. 

Revenue. — The revenue, in 1815, amounted to 14,492,000 
dollars. It is derived chiefly from duties on foreign goods. The 
state has, since the above date, advanced about five millions to 
construct the Erie Canal, which was finished in 1825. The tolls, 
in the year 1826, produced the enormous amount of 771,780 
dollars. This will require but a few years to reimburse the 
whole expense of its construction. After that period, it will be 
a source of immense revenue to the state. 

Character. — The manners and character of the inhabitants of 
every colony or state will take their colouring, in a greater or 
less degree, from the peculiar manners of the first settlers. 
Hence it is that the neatness, economy and industry of the 
Dutch were early imitated by the first English settlers in this 
province, and, until the revolution, formed a distinguishing trait 
in their character. It is still discernible, though in a less de- 
gree, and will probably continue visible for some years to come. 



56 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Probably two-thirds of the population of this state are now de« 
scendants of New Englanders, and they retain much of the New 
England character. The character and manners of this large 
and respectable state are rapidly improving, and it has a large 
body of men in the several professions of distinguished eminence 
and worth. 

lAterature. — According to a report made to the legislature in 
March, 1824, there were in the state, in 1823, no less than 
7382 common schools, at which were educated 400,534 persons, 
being 27,000 more than the whole number of children between 
the ages of 5 and 15, and actually exceeding one fourth of the 
population. In no other country in the world, as the reporter 
observes, is the proportion of persons attending schools near so 
large. There are besides, 40 academies, and 5 colleges, which 
receive about a million of dollars annually. 

The University of New York, in New York city, is composed 
of Columbia College, a respectable seminary, and a flourishing- 
medical institution. 

Union College, at Schenectady, with regard to the number 
of students and its endowments, is one of the most considerable 
institutions in the United States. 

Hamilton College, at Clinton, 9 miles west of Utica, is a 
flourishing seminary. 

At West Point, on the Hudson, 58 miles north of New York, 
is a military academy, under the direction of the national gov- 
ernment. 

There is a theological seminary, supported by the Episcopa- 
lians, in the city of New York, another at Auburn, by the Pres- 
byterians, and another at Hamilton, by the Baptists. 

The New York Institution for the instruction of the Deaf and 
Dumb went into operation in 1818. 

Towns. — New York, the principal town in the state, is the 
greatest commercial emporium in America, and is, perhaps, 
second only to London in the magnitude of its trade. It is 
finely situated at the south end of Manhattan Island, at the head 
of a beautiful bay, nine miles long, and has an admirable har- 
bour, capable of admitting vessels of any size close to the quays. 
'J'he city extends about three miles along the harbour, and four 
miles along East River, and its progress has been so rapid that 
its population, which was only 33,131 in 1790, amounted to 
123,706 in 1820. It is less regular in its plan than Philadelphia, . 
but its situation is more picturesque and commanding. The 
houses are of brick, and many of them handsome. There are 
100 places of worship, some of which are elegant. The city is 
adorned with several other fine buildings, the most celebrated of 
which is the town hall. It is situated at the head of a handsome 
common, called the Park, near Broadway. It is built of white 
marble, and cost upwards of 500,000 dollars. The principa' 
street is Broadway. It is three miles long, 80 feet wide, gen- 
erally well built, and a part of it is very splendid. The Battery 
is a beautiful public walk, on the southern extremity of the 



OF NEW YORK. 57 

island. The city, together with the surrounding objects, pre- 
sents a magnificent and beautiful view in approaching it through 
the Narrows. 

New York contains numerous literary, scientific and charita- 
ble institutions. 

Albany is situated on the west side of the Hudson, 6 miles 
below Troy, and 160 above New York. It is the seat of gov- 
ernment of the state of New York, and, in point of wealth, pop- 
ulation and trade, the second city in the state. Its population is 
about 13,000. Among the public buildings, are a state-house 
and academy, both large edifices of stone ; a state arsenal, and 
11 houses of public worship. A large proportion of the houses 
are of brick. Albany has a pleasant and advantageous situation 
near the head of tide water. The grand canal from the Hudson 
to Lake Erie commences here. 

Troy is a beautiful and very flourishing town, on the east 
bank of the Hudson, 6 miles north from Albany. It contains 
5300 inhabitants. 

Hudson, at the head of ship navigation, on Hudson River, 30 
miles below Albany, has considerable trade, and Newburgli, 
Poughkeepsie, Catskill, Athens, Lansingburgh and Waterford, 
all on the Hudson, are considerable towns. 

Schenectady, on the Mohawk, 15 miles north-west of Albany, 
is celebrated for its college. 

Utica, near the centre of the state, on the Mohawk River and 
the Erie Canal, 93 miles west of Albany, is a handsome and 
flourishing town, and has an extensive trade. 

Rochester, at the Falls of the Genesee, where the Erie Canal 
crosses the river, is a very thriving town, and has a brisk trade. 

Auburn, a flourishing town at the north end of Owasco Lake, 
contains a state prison. 

Buffalo is a thriving town, at the point where the canal meets 
the east end of Lake Erie. 

There are many other flourishing towns, among which arc 
Brooklyn and Sag Harbour, on Long Island ; Plattsburgh and 
Whitehall, on Lake Champlain ; Sackett's Harbour, on Lake 
Ontario ; Geneva, on Seneca Lake ; Ithaca, on Cayuga Lake ; 
Canandaigua, on Canandaigua I<ake ; Cooperstown, on Otsego 
Lake ; and Lockport, toward the west end of tlie Erie Canal. 

Manufactures. — According to returns made in 1821, 10,039,804 
yards of cloth, of cotton, woollen or linen, were made in the 
state that year. There were, at the same period, 184 cotton 
and woollen manufactories, 172 trip hammers, and 4304 saw- 
mills. In 1810, there were 28 paper mills ; nail manufactories, 
44 ; forges, 48 ; trip hammers, 49 ; and sugar houses, 10. The 
quantity of salt made in that year was 525,000 bushels. Since 
that time, the manufacture of these articles has greatly increas- 
ed. Silk, to the amount of 2240 skeins, has been made in a year 
at Cayuga. The article of yarn has exceeded in value that of 
any other, and, within three years, has been manufactured, in 
the towns on the canal, to a very great extent. 



58 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Canals. — ^The Erie Canal is by far the most magnificent 
work of the kind ever undertaken in America, and is much 
longer than any canal in Europe. It extends from Buffalo to 
Albany, forming a communication between Lake Erie and the 
Hudson, and is 365 miles in length. It is 40 feet wide at the 
top, 28 at the bottom, 4 feet deep, and has an aggregate rise 
and fall of 654 feet, which is effected by 81 locks. 

The Northern Canal extends from Whitehall, at the south 
end of Lake Champlain, to Fort Edward, on the Hudson, and it 
is continued on the west side of the Hudson till it unites with 
the Erie Canal, a few miles above Albany. The whole length 
is 62 miles. 

Banks. — There were, in 1819, (including branches,) upwards 
of 40 banks in this state, 30 of which had capital to the amount 
of 24,000,000 dollars. Since the above date, the number has 
considerably increased. 

Commerce. — New York exceeds all the other states in the 
advantages of its situation, in its resources from agriculture and 
commerce, in the amount of its exports, and the number of its 
inhabitants. 

The amount of exports, in 1822, was 17,100,000 dollars. The 
shipping, in 1821, was 249,000 tons. About half the foreign com- 
modities used in the United States are imported at New York. 

Bridges. — A bridge built across the Cayuga Lake is a mile 
long, and cost 25,000 dollars. The Cohoes bridge, across the 
Mohawk, 10 miles north of Albany, is 960 feet long, and 24 
broad, and is supported by 13 solid stone pillars. There is 
another over the same river, at Schenectady, of about the same 
length. There is also a fine bridge over the Hudson, at Water- 
ford. A bridge at Carthage, Ontario county, over the Genesee 
River, is a wonderful effort of human genius. The banks on 
each side of the river are of 200 feet perpendicular height, and 
350 feet apart. The bridge, resting upon abutments of solid 
rock, consists of a single arch thrown across this awful chasm, 
the centre of which is 270 feet above the water. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate is considerably diversified. It is cold 
in the north, toward the St. Lawrence ; but milder in the south- 
east, and in the country lying along the southern shores of Lake 
Ontario 

Face of the Country. — The country displays every variety of 
surface, from the level and undulating to the hilly and moun- 
tainous. The western part is mostly a level or moderately un- 
even country. 

Soil and Agriculture. — A great part of the state has a good 
soil ; and a considerable proportion of it is very fertile. It is 
well adapted to the various purposes of agriculture ; and much 
of it is excellent grazing. Wheat is raised more extensively 
than all other grains. Next to this is maize, and rye, the latter 
principally for the distilleries. 



I OP NEW YORE. 59 

I Mountains. — ^The Cat3kill Mountains, which are the principal 
range, present very interesting scenery. From a small lake, 
elevated upw^ards of 2,000 feet, issues a mill stream, which has 
I a cataract of near 300 feet. 

I Rivers. — The Hudson is principally a long, narrow arm of 

the sea. It rises in the northern part of New York, between 

i Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence. It is a remarkably 

I straight river, and its course is from north to south. Its length is 

250 miles. It is navigable for ships, 130 mUes, to Hudson ; 

and, for sloops of 30 tons, 30 miles farther, to Albany. 

The Mohawk rises north of Fort Stanwix, or Rome, "8 miles 
from Black River, and, running south 20 miles to the site of the 
old fort, then turns eastward. Its course is thence east by 
.south, 130 miles, to the Hudson, into which it empties opposite 
Lansingburgh, 169 miles above New York. The other princi- 
pal rivers are the St. Lawrence, the Genesee, Niagara, Oswego, 
Tioga, Susquehannah, Alleghany, Salmon, and Saranac. 

Lakes. — The state abounds, beyond any others, in beautiful 
and picturesque sheets of water. 

Lake Champlain, 128 miles long, and from half a mile to 12 
miles broad, is chiefly in New York. It affords good navigation 
for steamboats, and has a considerable amount of shipping. 

Lake George is a body of transparent water, 36 miles long, 
environed by mountains, with very romantic scenery, and is ac- 
counted the most beautiful lake in the Union. 

A series of long and narrow lakes, aU extending in a south 
and north direction, and surrounded by eminences richly cloth- 
ed with wood, adorn the fertile country south of Lake Ontario. 
The largest are, Oneida Lake, 22 miles long ; Seneca Lake, 35 
miles ; Cayuga, 36 miles ; Canandaigua, 16 miles ; Crooked 
Lake, 20 miles; Skeneateles, 14 miles; Owasco, 11 miles; and 
Onondaga, 9 miles. They are almost all situated on the courses 
of rivers, and are generally navigable. 

Islands. — The principal islands are, Long Island, extending 
east of the city of New York, about 140 miles long, and about 
10, on an average, broad ; Staten Island, 18 miles long, lying 
west of New York Bay ; Manhattan, or York Island, on which the 
city of New York stands ; and Grand Island, in Niagara River. 

Salt Springs. — There are several salt springs, but the most 
important are those of Salina, on Onondaga Lake, 50 mUes west 
of Utica. The salt works here have produced upwards of 
600,000 bushels of salt in a year. 

Mineral Waters. — The Saratoga and Ballston Springs are the 
most celebrated in America. Ballston is 26 miles north of 
Albany, and Saratoga 7 miles north-north-east of Ballston. 
These springs, during the hot season, are visited from all parts 
of the United States, by gay and fashionable people, as well as 
by invalids. Large quantities of the Saratoga and Ballston 
waters are bottled during the summer months, and sent to the 
cities on the coast. Considerable quantities are also exported 
to the West Indies and to Europe. 



60 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

At New Lebanon, 27 miles south-east of Albany, are warm 
springs, which are visited for bathing. 

In the township of Wales, about 15 miles east-south-east of 
Buffalo, near the bank of a small stream, there issues from a 
ledge of slate rock a stream of air, which, on the application of 
a torch, takes fire. When set on fire, it continues to burn till it 
is extinguished by the rising of the water of the rivulet. It has 
continued burning for several weeks at a time. The flame is 
about six inches in length, and 2i in diameter. There are, be- 
sides, several other mineral and sulphur springs. 

Minerals. — Iron ore is found in abundance in various places. 
Oypsum, limestone, marble, slate, lead, &c. occur in different 
jdaces. 

Curiosities. — The Falls of Niagara have been already de- 
scribed. 

Trenton Falls, on West Canada Creek, 12 miles north of 
Utica, are a succession of beautiful cataracts, accompanied with 
very interesting scenery. On the Mohawk, 2 miles from its 
mouth, are the falls called the Cohoes. The river descends in 
one sheet nearly 70 feet, forming a beautiful cataract. 

On Salmon River, about ten miles above its entrance into 
Lake Ontario, is a cataract of 110 feet perpendicular. There 
are 4 great cataracts on the Genesee. The largest is below 
Rochester, 5 miles above its entrance into Lake Ontario, and 
is 96 feet perpendicular. Baker's and Glen's Falls on the 
Hudson, Adgate's Falls on Sable River, the falls on Black River, 
and Fall Creek, are all objects of interest. 

The stone bridge in Chester, the split rock on Lake Cham- 
plain, the Ridge road, extending from the Genesee to Lewiston, 
and an extraordinary cavern in Watertown, are all regarded as 
curiosities. 



NEW JERSEY. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Exttnt. — New Jersey is situated between lat. SO** and 41° 24' 
N., and between Ion. 74° and 75° 29' W. It is 160 miles long, 
from north to south. Its least breadth, in the centre, is 42 miles ; 
ihe greatest breadth, in the north, is 70, and in the south, 75 ; 
and it occupies an area of 5900 square miles. 

Boundaries. — On the north is New York ; on the east and 
south-east it has Hudson River, New York Bay, and the At- 
lantic Ocean ; on the south-west and west, Delaware Bay and 
River, which separate it from the states of Delaware and Penn- 
sylvania. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into 13 counties and 116 
towns. The counties are Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Cum- 
berland, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, 
-Morris, Salem, Somerset, Sussex. 

JVame.-^ln the original patent, by the duke of York, to Lord 



OF NEW 'JERSEY. 61 

Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, the province is called J^ova 
Casaria, or JS/ew Jersey. This name was given in compliment 
to Sir George, whose family came from the Isle of Jersey. 

Religion. — The Presbyterians are the most numerous denomi- 
nation. Next are the Dutch Reformed, the Baptists, Methodists 
and Friends. 

Government. — The legislature is composed of a legislative 
council and house of assembly. The council is chosen annually, 
and consists of 13 members, one from each county. The assem- 
bly consists of 35 members. 

The executive is composed of a governor, chosen by a joint 
ballot of the legislature ; a vice-president, chosen by the coun- 
cil ; and a privy council, consisting of any three members of the 
legislative council. 

Population. — The population was 184,139 in 1790, and 
277,575 in 1820. 

Militia. — The militia of New Jersey, according to the returns 
of 1820, consisted of infantry, 31,274 ; of cavalry, 1,652 ; of ar- 
tillery, 784 ; total, 33,710. In 1818, the militia amounted to 
35,169. 

Manners and Customs. — Many circumstances concur to ren- 
der these various in different parts of the state. The inhabitants 
are a collection of Low Dutch, Germans, English, Scotch, Irish, 
and New Englanders, or their descendants. The different re- 
ligious sects have each their distinguishing characteristics, 
either in their worship, discipline or dress. 

The people of New Jersey are generally industrious, frugal, 
and hospitable. There are comparatively but few men of learn- 
ing among them. The poorer classes are too inattentive to the 
education of their children, who are generally left to grow up 
in ignorance. There are, however, a number of gentlemen of 
the first rank in abilities and learning, in the civil offices of tlie 
state, and in the several learned professions. 

Literature. — At Princeton, 10 miles north-east of Trenton, is 
the college of New Jersey, called Mtssau Hall, one of the most 
respectable in the United States. At the same place there is 
also a flourishing theological seminanj, under the direction of 
the general assembly of the Presbyterian church. At New 
Brunswick, there is an institution, formerly called Queen^s Col- 
lege, founded by ministers of the Dutch church. It has recently 
revived, and taken the name of Rutger''s College, and is in a 
prosperous condition. A theological institution has also been 
attached to this college, which is highly respectable. — There 
are in the state about 20 academies. 

Towns. — Trenton is the seat of government. It is a pleasant 
town, situated at the Falls of the Delaware, 30 miles north-east 
of Philadelphia, and contains a handsome state-house. Popu- 
lation, 4,000. 

Newark, on the Passaic, 9 miles west of New York, is a re- 
markably pleasant town, and has considerable manufactures an8 
trade. Population, G,500. 
C . 



02 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

New Brunswick, on the Raritan, 33 miles south-west of New 
York, is one of the most commercial towns in the state. Popu- 
lation, 6,700. 

Elizabethtown, near Newark Bay, 5 miles south of Newark, 
is a pleasant town. Population, 3,500. 

Burlington is situated on the Delaware, 17 miles north-east 
of Philadelphia. Population, 2,700. 

Patterson, on the Passaic, near the falls, 15 miles north-west 
of New York, is a flourishing manufacturing town. Population, 
'2,900. 

The other most considerable towns are Amboy, Princeton, 
Bridgetown and Salem. 

Roads and Bridges. — A turnpike road, 43 miles long, has 
been made from Trenton, through New Brunswick to Elizabeth- 
town. The greatest angle of descent is 3 degrees. It is nearly 
in a straight line, 36 feet wide, 15 of which are covered with 
gravel, 6 inches deep. A neat wooden bridge, near the Hackin- 
sac, 1000 feet long, and another over the Passaic, 500 feet long, 
have been erected at great expense. Another bridge over the 
Raritan, opposite New Brunswick, about 1000 feet in length, is 
also a work of great labour and expense. 

Manufactures. — This state has a considerable proportion of 
manufactures, particularly of iron, cotton, and leather. The 
amount of the manufactures, m 1810, was 7,000,000 dollars. 

Commerce. — This state has very little commerce. The ex- 
ports are mostly through the cities of New York and Philadel- 
phia ; and these cities import almost all the foreign articles con- 
sumed in the state. The aggregate of shipping, in 1821, was 
35,000 tons. The amount of exports, in 1822, was 83,000 dollars. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country, — The southern part of the country is 
very level ; farther north, it becomes diversified ; and the north- 
ern part is mountainous. 

Soil and Productions. — The level country is mostly sandy and 
barren ; but a great proportion of the other part has a good soil, 
excellent for grazing and the various purposes of agriculture. 
Orcliards abound in the northern division, and New Jersey is 
famous for its excellent cider and fruits. Maple sugar is made 
in considerable quantities in the county of Sussex. 

Mountains. — The South Mountain, which is one ridge of the 
Alleghany range, crosses this state in about lat. 41°. This 
mountain embosoms such amazing quantities of iron ore, that 
it may not improperly be called Iron Mountain. 

The Kittatinny ridge passes through this state, north of the 
South Mountain. The noted highlands of Neversink and Cen- 
tre Hill, are almost the only hills within the distance of many 
miles from the coast. 

Rivers. — The Delaware and the Hudson are on its frontiers. 
Wallkill, a branch of the Hudson, rises in Sussex county. 

Raritan River is formed by two considerable streams, called 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63 

the north and south branches ; it passes by Brunswick and Am- 
boy, and mingles with the waters of the Arthur Kull Sound, and 
helps to form the fine harbour of Amboy. It is a mile wide 
at its mouth, 250 yards at New Brunswick, and is navigable 
about 16 mUes. 

The Passaic is a very crooked river. It rises in a pond in 
Orange county, New York, and runs about 20 miles before it 
enters New Jersey. Pursuing a southerly direction, it falls into 
Newark Bay, after a course of about 65 miles. 

Hackinsac River runs in a direction parallel with the Hudson 
for 40 miles, and falls into Newark Bay a little distance east of 
the Passaic. It is navigable 15 miles. 

Bays. — Delaware Bay is the south-western boundary of the 
state, and New York Bay lies west of Bergen Neck. Amboy 
Bay, between Staten Island and Middleton, is about 15 miles 
deep, and, in the widest part, 12 broad. 

Botany. — The natural growth, in the northern half of the 
state, consists of the various kinds of oak, walnut, and maple, 
of the chestnut and birch. In some of the southern counties, 
almost the only trees are shrub oak and yellow pine. 

Minerals. — Iron ore is found in great abundance, and iron in 
large quantities is manufactured. 

Curiosities. — At Patterson are falls on the Passaic, of 72 feet 
perpendicular, much visited and admired on account of their 
beauty and grandeur. 

In the township of Shrewsbury, in Monmouth county, on the 
side of a branch of the Neversink River, is a remarkable cave, 
in which there are three rooms. The cave is about 30 feet 
long, and 15 broad. Each of the rooms is arched ; the centre 
of the arch is about 5 feet from the bottom of the cave, the sides 
not more than 2^. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — The shape of this state is more regular than any 
other in the Union, except Connecticut. Its northern and 
southern lines are chiefly in two parallels, and its western is a 
meridian line. The greatest length is 307 miles, from east to 
west, and the common breadth, between the two parallels, is 
160 miles. 

It lies between lat. .39° 42', and 42° 17', N., anJ between Ion. 
74° 32', and 80° 27', W. 

Boundaries. — Bounded on the north by Lake Erie and New^ 
York ; east by New York and Delaware River, which separates 
it from New York and New Jersey ; on the south by the states 
of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia ; and on the west by Vir- 
ginia and Ohio. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into 51 counties, and 651 
townships. 



64 GEOGKAPHICAIi VIEW 

JVetme. — ^The name of this state is merely that of the original 
proprietor, Penn^ and a common termination, sylva, a forest or 
wood, annexed. 

Religion. — Of 500 congregations in this state, in 1816, only 
97, or about one fifth, belonged to the Quakers or Friends. 
There were, at the same period, 86 congregations of Presbyte- 
rians, 94 of German Calvinists, 74 of German Lutherans, 60 
of Baptists, 26 of Episcopalians, and a few other sects. 

Population. — The population of Pennsylvania was, in 1820, 
1,049,458. 

Government. — The legislative power is vested in a senate and 
house of representatives. The senate cannot consist of a less 
number than one fourth, nor a greater than one third that of 
the house of representatives. The senators hold their offices 
four years, and one fourth of them are chosen in each year. 
The number of representatives cannot be less than 60, nor more 
than 100. The executive is vested in a governor, who must be 
30 years of age, and have resided in the state seven years next 
before his election. He is elected for three years, and cannot 
be chosen more than 9 years out of 12. 

Militia. — For a great number of years, there was no militia 
in the state, the Quakers acting rigidly on the principle of not 
bearing arms. In 1818, the number of militia was 118,018. 

Character. — There is nothing to give the inhabitants a com- 
mon character. About half the inhabitants are of English and 
New England origin, about a fourth German, and an eighth 
Irish. The rest are Scotch, Welsh, Swedes and Dutch. These 
various classes retain, in a great degree, their own national char- 
acter. The Germans are noted for their temperance, industry, 
and economy. The diversities of religion here are very great. 

Literature. — The University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, 
consists of four departments, — of art, medicine, natural science 
and law. The medical department of the university is the 
most distinguished and flourishing institution of the kind in the 
Union. 

The other colleges are Dickinson College, at Carlisle ; Wash- 
ington College, at Washington ; Jefferson College, at Cannons- 
burg ; and Alleghany College, at Meadville. The Moravians 
have flourishing schools at Bethlehem, Nazareth and Litiz. 
Provision has been made for establishing an academy in every 
county. 

Towns. — Harrisburg is the seat of government. It is pleas- 
antly situated on the Susquehannah, 98 miles west of Philadel- 
phia. It is a handsome town, and contains a magnificent state- 
house. Population, 3,000. 

Philadelphia is pleasantly situated between the Delaware and 
Schuylkill, 6 miles above their confluence, and 126 miles from 
the Atlantic, by the course of the river and bay. It is one of 
the most regular cities in the world, handsomely built of brick, 
and is a place of great trade and opulence, and, with regard to 
manufactures, exceeds all other cities in the United States. It 



OF PENNSYLVANIA. 66 

contains 60 houses of public worship, many other public build- 
ings, and numerous literary and humane institutions. The 
Philadelphia prison is a more interesting object of humanity 
than the most gorgeous palaces ; it presents the practical appli- 
cation of principles, which worldly men have derided, and phi- 
losophy has upheld without daring to hope for their adoption. 
The exterior of the building is simple, with rather the air of an 
hospital than a gaol. " On entering the court," says an intelli- 
gent traveller, "I found it full of stone cutters, employed in 
sawing and preparing large blocks of stone and marble ; smiths' 
forges were at work on one side of it, and the Vv^hole court is 
surrounded by a gallery and double tier of work-shops, in which 
were brushmakers, tailors, shoemakers, weavers, all at their 
several occupations, labouring not only to defray to the public 
the expenses of their confinement, but to provide the means of 
their own honest subsistence for the future. I passed through 
the shops, and paused a moment in the gallery to look down on 
the scene below : it had none of the usual features of a prison 
house ; neither the hardened profligacy, which scoffs down its 
own sense of guilt, nor the hollow-eyed sorrow, which wastes in 
a living death of unavailing expiation : there was neither the 
clank of chains, nor yell of execration ; but a hard-working body 
of men, who, though separated by justice from society, were not 
supposed to have lost the distinctive attributes of human nature ; 
they were treated as rational beings, operated upon by rational 
motives, and repaying this treatment by improved habits, by in- 
dustry, and by submission. They had been profligate, they were 
sober and decent in behaviour ; they had been idle, they were 
actively and usefully employed ; they had disobeyed the laws, 
they submitted (armed as they were with all kinds of utensils) 
to the government of a single turnkey, and the barrier of a sin- 
gle grating. The miracle which worked all this was humanity, 
addressing their self-love through their reason. I envied Amer- 
ica this system : I felt a pang that my own country had neither 
the glory to have invented, nor the emulation to have adopted 
it." The population of Philadelphia, in 1820, was 114,410. 

Pittsburg is situated in the western part of the state, at the 
confluence of the Alleghany with the Monongahela, which unite 
to form the Ohio. It has great advantages by its situation, hav- 
ing a communication with the Western States, and with New 
Orleans, by the Ohio and Mississippi ; and the country around 
abounds with coal. It is the centre of an extensive trade, and 
one of the greatest manufacturing towns in the Union. Popu- 
lation, 7200. 

Lancaster is situated in a very pleasant and highly-cultivated 
country, 62 miles west of Philadelphia. It is a beautiful town, 
and has an extensive inland trade. Population, 6600. 

Reading, on the Schuylkill, 54 miles north-west of Philadel- 
phia, is a pleasant town, and has considerable trade and manu- 
factures. Population, 4300. 

Carlisle, 15 miles west of Harrisburg; York, 22 miles west- 
6* 



66 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

south-west of Lancaster ; and Chambersburg, 52 miles west of 
York, are all considerable and flourishing towns. 

Among the other principal towns are Columbia, Marietta, 
Sunbury, Northumberland, Milton and Wilkesbarre, on the Sus- 
quehannah ; Germantown, Easton and Bethlehem, in the eastern 
part of the state ; Brownsville, Washington, Union, Cannons- 
burg and Meadville, in the western. 

Manufactures. — Pennsylvania exceeds all the other states in 
the variety and extent of its manufactures. The principal seats 
of the manufactures are Philadelphia and Pittsburg. The man- 
ufactures of iron, established at Pittsburg, on the western side of 
the Alleghanies, are considerable in amount, and progressively 
increasing, in consequence of the local advantages of the place, 
which is situated in the midst of abundant mines of iron and 
coal, and has great facilities for the transportation of its products 
by the Ohio. The amount of the manufactures in this state, in 
1810, was 33,700,000 dollars. 

Commerce. — The foreign commerce of this state is not pro- 
portionate to its size ; but there is an extensive inland trade, 
with the neighbouring regions, and with the Western States. 
The trade with the Eastern and Southern States is chiefly in 
way of barter. 

The amount of exports, in 1822, was 9,048,000 dollars. 

Banks. — There are more than 50 banks in this state, a great 
number of which are in Philadelphia: the remainder are scat- 
tered through the state, 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

-jClimate. — The climate varies, from the cold of New England 
on the north, to the mildness of Maryland and Virginia on the 
south. It is generally temperate and salubrious, but liable to 
sudden changes. 

Face of the Country. — Pennsylvania is traversed from north 
to south by the Apalachian chain, which is here divided into 
several ridges, and gives a mountainous appearance to the state. 
The southern and western corners are level and undulating. 

Soil and Productions. — Much of the soil of the mountainous 
parts is poor : the valleys, between the ridges and the level 
country, have a fertile soil, producing grain, vegetables and 
fruits of every description, in abundance. Agriculture is far 
better in Pennsylvania than in any other state in the Union, and 
the land is chiefly devoted to tillage. 

Mountains. — Pennsylvania is intersected by various moun- 
tains. The principal ridges of the Alleghany Mountains in this 
state are the Kittatinny or Blue Mountains. 

Rivers. — The principal rivers are the Delaware, Schuylkill, 
Susquehannah, Lehigh, Juniata, Alleghany, Monongahela, 
Ohio and Youghiogeny. 

Mineral Waters. — Bedford Springs, near the town of Bed- 
ford, and York Springs, 15 miles from Carlisle, are found useful 
in various complaints, and are much visited. Eleven miles north- 



OF DELAWARE. 67 

east of Franklin are celebrated oil springs. The springs rise 
from a bed on Oil Creek, and by the side of them many oblong 
pits have been dug, from the bottom of which Seneca oil, or 
petroleum, oozes, and floats on the surface of the water. Fifteen 
barrels have been taken in one season from a single pit. 

Minerals. — Coal is found in Wilkesbarre, and in great abun- 
dance in the country around Pittsburg. Iron ore is distributed 
in large quantities in many parts ; also marble, and other minerals. 
Curiosity . — There is a remarkable grotto, or cave, on the 
east bank of Swetara River, about two miles above its confluence 
with the Susquehannah. Its aperture, under a high bank, is 
from 15 to 20 feet wide, and from 7 to 10 feet in height. You 
go down by a gradual descent so low that the surface of the 
river is higher than the bottom of the cave, and in your pro- 
gress pass through a number of passages and apartments of 
various dimensions, some low and narrow, others very high and 
spacious, vaulted by magnificent canopies, fretted with a variety 
of depending petrifactions, some of which, by means of the con- 
stant accretion of petrifying matter, are formed into pillars. 
These appear as supports of the roof, which is of solid limestone, 
perhaps 20 feet thick. Thirty years ago there were ten such 
pillars, each six inches in diameter, and six feet high, all so 
ranged that the place enclosed resembled a sanctuary in the 
Roman church. No royal throne ever exhibited more grandeur 
than this lusus naturce. The resemblance of several monuments 
are found indented in the walls on the sides of the cave, which 
appear like the tombs of departed heroes. Suspended from the 
roof is " the bell," (which is nothing more than a stone projected 
in an unusual form,) so called from the sound it occasions 
when struck, which is similar to that of a bell. Some of the 
stalactites are of the colour of candy, and others resemble loaf 
sugar ; but their beauty is much defaced by the smoke of the 
torches, which are frequently employed in conducting the curi- 
ous traveller through this gloomy recess. The water, which 
exudes through the roof, runs down the declivity, and is both 
pleasant and wholesome to drink. There are several holes in 
the bottom of the cave, descending perpendicularly, perhaps, 
into an abyss below, which renders it dangerous to walk without 
a light. At the end of the cave is a pretty brook, which, after 
a short course, loses itself among the rocks. Bevond this brook 
is an outlet from the cave by a very narrow aperture. Through 
this the vapours continually pass outwards, with a very strong 
current of air, and ascend, resembling, at night, the smoke of a 
furnace. 



DELAWARE. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — Delaware is the smallest state, except Rhode Island, 
in the Union. It is 96 miles long, from north to south. Its 



68 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

greatest breadth is 36 miles ; its least, 10. Its area is 2060 
square miles. It lies between lat. 38° 30' and 39° 54', N., and 
between Ion. 74° 56' and 75° 40', W. 

Boundaries. — Bounded north by Pennsylvania ; east by Dela- 
ware River and Bay, and the Atlantic ; south and west by Ma- 
ryland. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into three counties, (Kent, 
Newcastle and Sussex,) and into 25 townships. 

JV*a7;ie. — The name was derived directly from the bay, but 
originally from Lord De la War, who completed the settlement 
of Virginia, and died in this bay in 1618. 

Religion. — In this state, there is a variety of religious de- 
nominations. Of Presbyterian congregations, there are 24 ; of 
Episcopalians, 14 ; of Friends, 8 ; of Baptists 7 ; and of Metho- 
dists a considerable number. Besides these, there is a Swedish 
church half a mile below Wilmington, which is one of the oldest 
churches in the United States. 

Government. — The legislature consists of a senate and house 
of representatives. The representatives are chosen annually, 
and by counties. The senators are chosen triennially, and by 
counties. The governor is chosen triennially by the freemen, 
and can hold his office only three years out of every term of 
six years. 

Population. — The population, in 1820, was 72,749. 

Militia. — The militia of this state constitute one division, 
containing three brigades, one in each county. Each brigade 
comprises three regiments. The whole number of militia in 
this state is not far from 7000. 

Revenue. — The revenue of Delaware amounted, in 1815, to 
thirty-two thousand dollars. 

lAterature. — There is no college in this state ; but there are 
academies and high schools in most of the principal towns, and 
the legislature have made provision for the support of schools 
throughout the state. 

Towns. — Dover is the seat of government. It is situated on 
Jones's Creek, 7 miles above its entrance into Delaware Bay, 
and 40 south of Wilmington, and contains a handsome state- 
house. Wilmington, situated between the Brandywine and 
Christiana Creeks, 2 miles west of Delaware River, and 28 
south-west of Philadelphia, is much the largest town, and has 
considerable trade and manufactures. Population, 5,300. New- 
ca.stle, 5 miles south of Wilmington, has some trade ; and at 
Lewistown, near Cape Henlopen, are large salt works, where 
salt is manufactured from sea water by the sun. Georgetown, 
Smyrna, and Milford, are the other most considerable towns. 

Manufactures. — On the Brandywine, bordering on Wilming- 
ton, is the finest collection of Jloiir mills in the United States. 
Cotton and woollen goods, gunpowder, and paper, are also man- 
ufactured extensively in the same neighbourhood. 

Banks. — There are a number of banks in this state, several 
of which are establislied in Wilmington and Dover. 



OF MARYLAND. 69 

Commerce. — The principal article of commerce is flour. 
liUmber is of the next highest importance, and is procured 
;hiefly from Cypress Swamp. The exports from Delaware, in 
1822, were 169,000 dollars, and the amount of shipping, in 1821, 
ivas 11,000 tons. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — In the northern and western parts of 
Delaware, there is some hilly and broken land ; but the gene- 
al aspect of the state is that of an extended plain. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil, in the northern part, and 
jlong Delaware River, is generally a rich clay, well adapted to 
purposes of agriculture ; in the middle, it is mixed with sand ; 
n the southern part, the sand generally predominates. Wheat 
s the staple production of this state. It grows here in such 
perfection, as not only to be sought by the manufacturers of 
lour throughout the Union, but also to be distinguished and 
^referred, for its superior qualities, in foreign markets. The 
:ounty of Sussex, besides producing a considerable quantity of 
>'rain, particularly of Indian corn, possesses excellent grazing 
ands ; and also exports very large quantities of lumber. 

Rivers. — The largest rivers, besides the Delaware, which 
brms a part of the boundary, are Brandywine Creek, Chifstiana 
>reek, Duck Creek, Mispillion Creek, Indian River, Choptank, 
md Nanticoke. 

Swamps. — More than half of Cypress Swamp lies in Delaware, 
jontaining nearly 50,000 acres. It is a high and level basin, 
extremely wet, though on the ridge between the Chesapeake 
md the Atlantic. It contains a very great variety of plants, 
jees, wild beasts, birds, and reptiles. 

Mineralogy. — In the county of Sussex, among the branches 
}f Nanticoke River, large quantities of bog iron are to be found. 
Before the revolution, this ore was worked to a considerable 
3Xtent ; it was thought to be of good quality, and peculiarly 
idapted to the purposes of casting. These works have chiefly 
fallen to decay. 



MARYLAND. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — The northern line of the state is 196 miles longi 
[n the broadest part, on the east of the bay, it is 120 miles wide. 
The number of square miles is about 14,000, of which about 
one fifth is water. 

Boundaries. — Maryland is bounded north by Pennsylvania 
and Delaware ; east by Delaware and the Atlantic ; south by 
Virginia and the Chesapeake ; south-west by the Potomac, which 
separates Maryland from Virginia ; and west by Virginia. 

Divisions. — Chesapeadte Bay extends up through the state 
from north to south, dividing it into two parts. The part east 



70 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

of the bay is called the eastern shore, and contains 8 counties ; 
and the part west is called the western shore, containing 11 
counties. 

JV*a?/ie. — Charles I. of England, (in his patent to Lord Balti- 
more, in 1632,) gave the name of Maryland to this territory, in 
honour of his wife, Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry the 
Great of France and Navarre. It was then taken from Virginia. 

Religion. — The Roman Catholics were the first settlers ; and 
there are more of them in Maryland than in all the other states 
besides. The other principal sects are Episcopalians, Presby- 
terians, Methodists, German Lutherans, and Calvinists. 

Government. — The legislature is styled the general assembly, 
and consists of the senate and house of delegates. The senate 
is chosen by electors, who are elected by the freemen, every 
fifth year, two from a county, and one from each of the cities of 
Annapolis and Baltimore. The delegates are chosen annually, 
on the first Monday in October. Four are sent by each county, 
and two from each of the two cities. 

Population. — The population of the state, in 1820, was 407,350, 
including 107,398 slaves. 

Militia. — The militia of this state amounted, in 1813, to 
32,183, consisting of able bodied men, between 18 and 45, and 
organized in the manner they are in the other states. 

Revenue. — The revenue of this state, in 1815, amounted to 
4,151,000 ; it is raised chiefly from taxes on real and personal 
property. 

Chdracter. — The inhabitants, except in the populous towns, 
live on their plantations. Their manners are as polished as 
those of the country gentlemen in England ; their minds are 
well informed, and their intercourse free and social ; their sons 
generally receive a liberal education, and many of them engage 
in the study of law, without any intention of pursuing it as a 
profession. 

lAterature. — In Baltimore is an institution, styled the Univer- 
sity of Maryland. The medical department is one of the most 
flourishing medical schools in the United States. 

There are two other seminaries in the city, styled St. Mary^s 
College and Baltimore College. There are 17 academies, whicli 
are supported, in part, by the state. 

Towns. — Annapolis is the seat of government. It is situated 
on the Severn, 2 miles above its entrance into the Chesapeake, 
28 miles south-south-east of Baltimore, and contains a handsome 
Btate-house, and 2,300 inhabitants. 

Baltimore is much the largest town in the state, and is third 
in size in the Union. It is pleasantly situated on the Patapsco, 
14 miles above its entrance into the Chesapeake, and is a place 
of great commerce. The city is regularly laid out, the houses 
mostly of brick, and several of its public edifices are magnifi- 
cent. The Washington monument is a superb structure of 
stone, 163 feet high. Population, 62,100. 

Fredericktown, situated in the interior, in a fertile tract of 



OF MARYLAND. 71 

country, 45 miles west of Baltimore, is a pleasant and handsome 
town, and has an extensive inland trade. Population, 3600. 

Hagerstown, 26 miles north-west of Fredericktown, situated 
in a fertile country, is a flourishing town. 

Among the other considerable towns are Cumberland, on the 
Potomac, Elkton, Chestertown, Snowhill and Cambridge, on the 
eastern shore. 

Manufactures. — Wheat is manufactured into flour in Fred- 
erick county to a great extent. The value of the manufactures 
of this state, in 1810, was 11,468,794 dollars. 

Commerce. — Maryland holds a high rank as a commercial 
state. The most important article of export is Jlotir ; next to 
this, tobacco. The exports from Maryland, in 1822, amounted 
to 4,537,000 dollars. The aggregate tonnage, in 1821, was 
127,000 tons. 

Banks. — There are 24 banks in this state, including branches, 
10 of which are at Baltimore ; the rest in 14 different towns in 
other parts of the state. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The eastern shore is low, level and 
sandy ; on the western shore, below the falls of the rivers, it is 
similar. Beyond the falls, it becomes variegated and hilly ; and 
the western part is mountainous. 

Soil and Productions. — A part of the eastern shore, and the 
tracts lying on the bay, are sandy, but the soil is generally rich, 
and produces the finest wheat and tobacco. 

The staple of Maryland is tobacco, a plant to which the far- 
mers of the states farther north are almost strangers, and which 
is cultivated by the labour of slaves. The negroes work in sets. 
The seed is sown in beds of fine mould, and transplanted in the 
beginning of May. The plants are set at the distance of three 
or four feet from each other, and are tilled, and kept continually 
free from weeds. When as many leaves have shot out as the 
soil will nourish to advantage, the top of the plant is broken oft', 
to prevent its crowing aigher. It is carefully kept clear of 
worms, and the suckers, which put up between the leaves, are 
taken off at proper times, till the plant arrives at perfection, which 
is in August. When the leaves turn of a brownish colour, and 
begin to be spotted, the plant is cut down, and hung up to dry, 
after having sweated in heaps over night. When it can be 
handled without crumbling, the leaves are stripped from the 
stalk, tied in bundles, and packed for exportation in hogsheads 
containing 800 or 900 pounds. No suckers or ground leaves 
are allowed to be merchantable. About 6000 plants yield 1000 
pounds of tobacco. 

Rivers. — The Potomac forms the boundary on the south-west. 
The other principal rivers are the Susquehannah, Patapsco, 
Patuxent, Elk, Sassafras, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke and 
Pooomoke. 

5a3/s.— Nearly two thirds of the length of Chesapeake Bay 



72 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

lies in Maryland. Senipuxen Bay is only a channel between 
the eastern coast and a succession of sand and islands. 

Swamp. — A part of Cypress Swamp, partly in Delaware, has 
already been mentioned as lying in Maryland. 

Mountains. — The various ridges of the Alleghany Mountains 
cross the western and narrow parts of this state. The most 
eastern ridge is the South Mountain, and then the Blue Ridge ; 
between which and the Alleghany range are various ridges of 
mountains, which run but a short distance in Maryland. 

Mineralogy. — Iron ore, of an excellent quality, is found in 
plenty in many parts of the state. Two beds of coal have been 
opened within a mile of the city of Baltimore. 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Extent and Situation. — This district is a square, with a side 
of 10 miles, and of course contains 100 square miles, or 64,000 
acres. It lies on both sides of the Potomac, and 120 miles from 
its mouth, embracing a section of that river, extending from tlie 
southern part of Alexandria, to a point 5 miles above George- 
town, including a part of one of the Potomac canals. It is sit- 
uated between lat. 38° 48' and 38° 59' N. ; and the capitol is in 
about 77° 00' 22" W. Ion. from London. 

Boundaries. — On the south-east, north-east, and in part on 
the north-west, it is bounded by Maryland ; on all other sides, 
by Virginia. 

Divisions. — It is divided into the counties of Alexandria and 
Washington. 

Religion. — Presbyterians and Episcopalians are the two pre- 
vailing denominations in the district. There are also here 
Roman Catholics, Methodists and Baptists, all of whom have 
places for public worship. 

Government. — This district is exclusively under the authority 
of congress. 

Population. — The population of the district, in 1820, was 
.'^3,039, of whom 6377 were slaves, and 4048 free persons of 
colour. 

Towns. — Washington, the metropolis of the United States, is 
situated in the District of Columbia, on the Maryland side of 
the Potomac, 295 miles, by the course of the river and bay, from 
the Atlantic. It contains upwards of 13,000 inhabitants. The 
site consists of a point of land between the Eastern Branch and 
the Potomac, and the ground, as laid out, extends two or three 
miles up both of these rivers. It is separated from Georgetown 
by Rock Creek, over which are two bridges, and there is a 
bridge over the Potomac, more than a mile in length, leading to 
Alexandria. The natural situation of Washington is pleasant 
and salubrious, and it is laid out on a plan, which, when com- 
pleted, will render it one of the most handsome and commodious 
citiea in the world. It is divided into squares by spacious. 



OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 73 

streets or avenues, from 130 to 160 feet wide, running north 
and south, and intersected by others at right angles ; these are 
crossed transversely by 15 other spacious streets. But a small 
part of the plan is yet completed. The buildings, which cover 
a small portion of the site as laid out, stand in 4 or 5 separate 
divisions, and Washington, at present, exhibits the appearance, 
not of a regular city, but of a collection of villages, in which the 
splendid public edifices appear of a disproportionate grandeur. 
Pennsylvania Avenue is the principal street, extending a mile 
and a half, between the capitol and the president's house and 
the public offices. The principal public buildings and institu- 
tions are, the capitol and the president's house, of stone ; 4 
spacious brick edifices for the state, treasury, war and navy de- 
partments ; the general post office, city hail, Columbian College, 
navy yard, and 14 houses of public worship. The president's 
house is situated on a gentle eminence, a mile and a half west 
of the capitol. It is built of white freestone, and covered with 
marble. It is a very elegant edifice, 176 feet by 85, of 2 stories, 
with a suitable basement story. 

Alexandria, pleasantly situated on the south bank of the Po- 
tomac, 6 miles south of Washington, has a flourishing trade, 
chiefly in flour. 

Georgetown, on the Potomac, separated from Washington by 
Rock Creek, 3 miles west of the capitol, is a handsome town, 
and has considerable trade. 

THE CAPITOL. 

The capitol, at Washington, is finely situated on an eminence 
at the east end of Pennsylvania Avenue, commanding a beautiful 
prospect of the Potomac, of every part of the city, and a wide 
extent of the surrounding country. It is by far the most mag- 
nificent edifice in the United States, and the only one that can 
be compared in grandeur to the most splendid public buildings 
in Europe. It is built of white freestone, and the whole cost of 
it, when completed, is estimated at 3,000,000 dollars. The prin- 
cipal building is 340 feet by 120 ; with two projections, one 170 
by 65 ; the other, 170 by 83. It is surrounded by an elegant, 
iron paling, which encloses 20 acres of ground, planted with 
various kinds of trees and shrubs. The north wing is occupieiJ 
by the senate, the south by the house of representatives. There 
are also rooms for the supreme court of the United States, the 
national library, and other purposes. The senate and represen- 
tative halls are finished in a style of great elegance and splen- 
dour. The one belonging to the house of representatives has 
been pronounced by an intelligent English traveller to be " the 
most beautiful hall he ever saw." It is of a semi-circular form, 
surrounded by 22 massy pillars or coluinns, and 4 pilasters of 
Breccia, or Potomac marble, as it is called, which stand on an 
elevated base of freestone. The capitals of these pillars are 
formed of Carrara marble, and are very beautiful ; and there is 
7 



74 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

supported by them a large and mag'nificent dome, in the centre 
of which is placed an ornamental cupola, which admits the light 
into the hall from above. In front of the speaker's chair, and 
over the entrance into the chamber, stands an allegorical figure, 
formed of Italian marble, representing History in the act of re- 
cording the proceedings of the nation. She stands on a winged 
car, which seems to roll over a section of the terrestrial globe, 
exhibiting, in bass-relief, the signs of the zodiac. The wheel of 
the car is intended as the face of a clock, which is to be placed 
behind, and the front contains, in bass-relief, a figure of Fame, 
and a profile bust of Washington. Above the speaker's cliair 
is a colossal figure of Liberty, in plaster, pointing to the hall 
below, and supported on the right by an American eagle, and 
on the left by the Roman fasces, which are partially envel- 
oped in the folds of a serpent. Immediately under this figure, 
on the frieze, is carved, in high relief, another eagle in the 
attitude of flying. 

Literature. — There is a Catholic college in Georgetown, 
which has respectable endowments. 

Columbian College, in Washington, is very pleasantly situated 
on College Hill, a mile north of the president's house. The 
plan embraces, in connexion with the college, a preparatory 
school, a theological and a medical department. 

Rivers. — The Potomac intersects this district, and is naviga- 
ble close to the bank, for large ships, half a mile above Green- 
leaf's- Point, and in the channel some distance farther. The 
Eastern Branch, as it is called, rises in Maryland, and flows 
about 20 miles. It is chiefly a bay of the Potomac, and is navi- 
gable 4 miles along the bank for the largest ships. Rock Creek 
runs southerly about 16 miles. Tiber, or Goose Creek, is a 
small stream, running through the city. Its source being 2.36 
feet above the level of the Potomac, it can be made the reservoir 
of aqueducts for any part of the city. Four Mile Run falls 
into the Potomac from the Virginia side, opposite the Eastern 
Branch. 

Canals and Bridges. — A canal has been opened, connecting 
the Tiber with the Eastern Branch ; the tide flows into it 5 or 
6 inches deep. Besides this is a canal of much importance to 
the city, which passes the Little Falls, above Georgetown, 
through which is brought the greater part of the flour used in 
the district, and exported from it, and also marble columns for 
the city edifices. Two bridges are built over Rock Creek, 
which divides the city from Georgetown. The bridge near 
the mouth of the creek has three arches, is about 135 feet in 
length, and 36 wide. The other, 650 yards above, is supported 
by piles, and is about 280 feet long, and 18 wide. A bridge 
over the Potomac, within this district, was built in 1809, on piles, 
one mile long, and another over the Eastern Branch. 



OF VIRGINIA. 7o 

VIRGINIA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent— This state lies between lat. 36° 30' and 40* 43' pT.. 
and between Ion. 75° 25' and 83° 40' W. Its length, on the 
southern line of the state, is 440 miles. Its greatest breadth is 
290. 

Boundaries. — Bounded north by Pennsylvania and Maryland : 
east by Maryland and the Atlantic ; south by North Carolina 
and Tennessee ; west by the Cumberland Mountains and Big 
Sandy River, which divide it from Kentucky and Tennessee ; 
and north-west by Ohio River, which divides it from Ohio. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into 103 counties. 

JVame. — Queen Elizabeth, in 1584, gave the name of Virginia 
to a much larger tract than is now included in its limits ; as a 
memorial that its discovery was made under a virgin queen. 

Religion. — Virginia is deficient in churches, but religion is 
making progress. The most considerable sects are the Baptists 
and Methodists. The Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Friends, 
ar^ next in numbers. 

Government. — The legislature is called the general assembly, 
and is composed of a senate and house of representatives. The 
senate consists of 24 members, who are chosen for four years by 
districts. One fourth of the senate goes out yearly. The repre- 
sentatives are chosen annually, two from each county, and one 
from several cities and boroughs each. The governor is chosen 
annually by joint ballot of both houses, and can hold the office 
but 3 years out of 7. 

Population. — The population of the state, in 1790, was 
747,610, and in 1820, 1,065,366, the latter number including 
425,153 slaves. 

Militia. — The number of the militia, in 1817, was 85,758. 
It is divided into four grand divisions, each of which is com- 
manded by a major-general. The governor is head of the mili- 
tary as well as the civil power. 

Revenue. — The revenue amounts commonly to about 600,000 
dollars, and is raised principally by a tax on land and slaves. 

Character. — The Virginians are firm republicans, polite, frank, 
liospitable, generous, and high-spirited. The general character 
of the people west of the Blue Ridge is that of industry, temper- 
ance and economy. The religious and moral state of the great 
body of the inhabitants is deplorable. 

This state has produced some of the most distinguished char- 
acters in American history. Four of the presidents of the 
United States have been Virginians. 

Literature.— The University of Virginia is established at 
Charlottesville. The buildings are on a large scale, and were 
erected at great expense. There are, besides, 3 colleges, — Wil- 
liam and Mary's College, at Williamsburg ; Washington Col- 



T6 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

lege, at Lexington; and Hampden Sidney College, in Prince 
Edward county, 85 miles south-west of Richmond. 

Academies have been established in various places. The state 
has a fund of upwards of 1,100,000 dollars, the interest of which 
is appropriated to the use of schools and for literary purposes. 

Towns. — Richmond is the largest town, and the seat of govern- 
ment. It is beautifully situated at the Falls of James R-iver, 
about 150 miles from its mouth. It contains a capitol, or state- 
house, and various other public buildings, and has an extensive 
trade. Norfolk, on Elizabeth River, 8 miles above its entrance 
into Hampton Roads, has a good harbour, and more foreign com- 
merce than any other town in the state. Petersburg, on the 
Appomattox, 24 miles south by east of Richmond, has consider- 
able trade in tobacco and flour. Lynchburg, on James River, 
near the head of boat navigation, 120 miles west of Richmond, 
is a thriving town, and has a flourishing trade. Fredericksburg, 
on the Rappahannock, near the head of navigation, is a place 
of considerable trade. Williamsburg, 55 miles east by south of 
Richmond, was formerly the seat of government. Winchester, 
70 miles west-north-west of Washington city, is a pleasant and 
flourishing inland town. It has a healthy situation, with several 
mineral springs in its vicinity, and is a place of considerable re- 
sort in the hot season. Yorktown, on York River, 29 miles 
north-west of Norfolk, has a good harbour, and is famous for the 
surrender of the British army, under Lord Cornwallis, in 1781. 

Mount Vernon, the celebrated seat of General Washington, 
is pleasantly situated on the Potomac, 9 miles below Alexandria. 

Monticello, the seat of Mr. Jefterson, is 2 miles from Char- 
lottesville. 

Manufactures. — The manufactures of this state are chiefly 
domestic, except those of iron, lead, and small arms, which are 
on a considerable scale. The amount of manufactures, in 1810, 
was 15,300,000 dollars. 

Commerce. — Estimating by the amount of its exports in 1822, 
Virginia holds only the eighth rank among the commercial states. 
The exports consist chiefly of tobacco, flour, Indian corn, pork, 
lumber, coals. The amount of exports at the above date was 
3,217,000 dollars. 

Banks. — There are 17 banks in this state, which are distrib- 
uted among the principal towns. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate varies very much ; it is hot, moist, and 
unhealthy in the lower alluvial country, and cool and salubrious 
among the mountains. 

Face of the Country. — The Apalachian chain covers the whole 
middle section with its ridges, and gives it a rugged surface. 
The country east of these descends gradually to the flat and 
sandy alluvion of the coast. The district west of the mountains 
is hiljy. 

Sou and Productions. — The soil varies very much ; sandy and 



OF VIRGINIA. 77 

sterile on the coast ; extremely' fertile on the banks of rivers ; 
and productive in the valleys of the AUeghanies. This state 
has the most valuable productions of temperate regions ; and the 
southern part has some belonging to the warm regions. The 
upper country raises excellent wheat; tobacco is extensively 
cultivated between tide-water and the mountains ; and rice, with 
some cotton, grows near the coast. 

Rivers. — The Ohio is the north-west boundary for many miles ; 
and the Potomac, one of the largest rivers that flows into the 
Atlantic, the north-east, through its whole length. James River 
runs wholly in this state ; the Roanoke, partly in Virginia, and 
partly in North Carolina ; the Monongahela and Great Kenhawa, 
chiefly in Virginia. The other principal rivers are the Rappa- 
hannock, Shenandoah, York, Appomattox, Elizabeth and Sandy. 

Mountains. — The mountains of this state are all in ridges, run- 
ning in a north-east direction. The Blue Ridge extends from 
south-west to north-east through the central part of the state. 
West of this are other ranges of the Alleghany Mountains, as 
North Mountain, Laurel Mountain, and Jackson's Mountain. 
The Cumberland Mountains are in the south-westernpart of the 
state. The Peaks of Otter, summits of the Blue Ridge, are ac- 
counted the most elevated mountains in Virginia. 

Minerals. — Virginia is rich in iron, coal, and other minerals 
of value. 

Mineral Waters. — There are several mineral springs of some 
celebrity. Berkeley Springs, near the Potomac, 35 miles north 
Dy west of Winchester, and Sweet Spring, about 70 miles west 
of Lexington, are places of much resort. There are two springs 
near Bath, between Jackson's River and Mountain. The Warm 
Spring issues with a bold stream, sufficient to turn a mill, and 
to keep the water of its basin, which is 30 feet in diameter, at 
the temperature of 96". The Hot Spring, 6 miles from the Warm, 
is much smaller. 

Swamp. — A considerable part of Dismal Swamp is in this 
state. 

Capes. — Cape Charles and Cape Henry, sometimes called the 
Capes of Virginia. 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES. 

JVatural Bridge. — This wonderful bridge is by some esteem- 
ed, next to the cataract of Niagara, the greatest natural curiosi- 
ty in the United States. The following description of it is by 
Mr. Jefferson : — 

" The Natural Bridge, the most sublime of nature's works, is 
on the ascent of a hill, which seems to have been cloven through 
its length by some great convulsion. The fissure, just at the 
bridge, is, by some admeasurements, 270 feet deep, Dy others, 
only 205. It is about 45 feet wide at the bottom, and 90 feet at 
the top ; this of course determines the length of the bridge, 
and its height from the water. Its breadth in the middle is 
about 60 feet, but more at the ends, and the thickness of the masi 
7* 



78 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

at the summit of the arch, about 40 feet. A part of tliis thick- 
ness is constituted by a coat of earth, which gives growth to 
many large trees. The residue, with the hill on both sides, is 
one solid rock of limestone. 

" The arch approaches the semi-elliptical form, but the larger 
axis of the ellipsis, which would be the chord of the arch, is 
many times larger than the transverse. Though the sides 
of this bridge are provided, in some parts, with a parapet of fixed 
rocks, yet few men have resolution to walk to them, and look 
over into the abyss. You involuntarily fall on your hands and 
feet, creep to the parapet, and peep over it. Looking down 
from this height about a minute, gave me a violent headache. 

"The fissure continuing narrow, deep, and straight, for a con- 
siderable distance above and below the bridge, opens a short but 
very pleasing view of the North Mountain on one side, and the 
Blue Ridge on the other, at the distance, each of them, of about, 
.5 miles. This bridge is in the county of Rockbridge, to wliich 
it has given name, and affords a public and commodious passage 
over a valley, which cannot be crossed elsewhere for a con- 
siderable distance. The stream passing under it is called Ce- 
dar Creek. It is a water of James River, and sufficient in the 
driest seasons to turn a grist mill, though its fountain is not 
more than two miles above." 

The passage of the Potomac, immediately after its junction 
with the Shenandoah, through the Blue Ridge, at Harper's 
Ferry, is a singular and highly interesting spectacle. The river 
here descends 15 feet, and rolls between its walls of rock with 
the wildness and rapidity of a cataract. The mountains on each 
side are perpendicular, and appear to have been separated by 
some great convulsion of nature. 

Wier^s Cave. — In the limestone country of Virginia, there are 
several caves of considerable extent. The most remarkable 
one is Wier's Cave, which is on the north side of the Blue 
Ridge, and on the south fork of the Shenandoah. It is in a hill, 
which is about 200 feet in perpendicular height, and so steep 
tliat you may pitch a biscuit from its summit into the river wliich 
washes its base. It was discovered in 1814. Its entrance is 
only about 100 yards from that of Madison's Cave, another cele- 
brated cavern, which, though it has been much longer known, 
is greatly inferior to Wier's Cave. The following is an account 
of a visit to this extraordinary place : — 

"There were three of us, besides our guide, with lighted 
torches, and our loins girded, now ready to descend into the 
cave. We took our lights in our left hands, and entered. The 
mouth was so small that we could descend only by creeping one 
afler another. A descent of almost 20 yards brought us into 
the first room. The cave was cold, dark and silent. In this 
maimer we proceeded, now descending 30 or 40 feet, now as- 
cending as high, now creeping on our hands and knees, and 
now walking in large rooms, the habitations of solitude. The 
mountain seems to be composed almost wholly of limestone, 



OF VIRGINIA. 79 

and by this means the cave is lined throughout with the most 
beautiful incrustations and stalactites of carbonated lime, which 
are formed by the continual dripping of water. These stalac- 
tites are of various and elegant shapes and colours, often bear- 
ing a striking resemblance to animated nature. At one place 
we saw over our heads what appeared to be a water fall of the 
most delightful kind, descending 12 or 15 feet. Nor could the 
imagination be easily persuaded that it was not in reality a water 
fall. You could see the water dashing and boiling down, with 
its white spray and foam ; but it was all solid, carbonated lime- 
stone. Thus we passed on in this world of solitude ; now stop- 
ping to admire the beauties of a single stalactite ; now wonder- 
ing at the magnificence of a large room ; now creeping through 
narrow passages, hardly wide enough to admit the body of a 
man ; and now walking in superb galleries, until we came to 
the largest room, called Washington hall. This is certainly 
the most elegant room I ever saw. It is about 270 feet in 
length, about -35 in width, and between 30 and 40 feet high. 
The roof and sides are beautifully adorned by the tinsels which 
nature has bestowed in the greatest profusion, and which sparkle 
like the diamond, while surveyed by the light of torches. The 
rtoor is smooth, flat and solid. I was foremost of our little party 
in entering this room, and was not a little startled on approach- 
ing the centre, and by my small light seeing a figure as it were 
rising up before me, out of solid rock. It was not far from 7 feet 
high, and corresponding in every respect to the common idea of 
a ghost. It was very white, and resembled a tall man clothed 
in a shroud. I went up to it sideways, though I could not really 
expect to meet a ghost in a place like this. On examination, I 
found it was a very beautiful piece of the carbonate of lime, 
very transparent, and very much in the shape of a man. This 
is called Washington's statue. In one room we found an excel- 
lent spring of water, which boiled up, slaked our thirst, sunk 
again into the mountain, and was seen no more. In another 
room was a noble pillar, called tlie toiver of Babel. It is com- 
posed entirely of stalactites of lime, or, as its appearance would 
seem to suggest, of petrified water. It is about 30 feet in diam- 
eter, and a little more than 96 in circumference, and about 30 
high. It would appear as if there were many millions of stalac- 
tites in this one pillar.!' 

Falling Spring, about 50 miles west by north of Lexington, 
has a cataract of 200 feet perpendicular. 

Near the Great Kenhawa there is a small cavity in the earth, 
from which issues a stream of air, which, on applying a torch, 
takes fire, and sometimes burns several days. 

Near Panther Gap is Blowing Cave, from which a strong 
current of air continually issues. 

Near the Ohio, 12 miles below Wheeling, is a vast mound, 
300 feet in diameter at the base, and 90 high» containing thou- 
sands of human skeletons. 



80 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — This state is situated between lat. 33° 50' and 36* 
30' N., and between Ion. 75° 45' and 80° W. Its length, lat. 
35* 7', is 430 miles. The greatest breadth is 180. In the west 
it terminates in a point. 

Boundaries. — On the north by Virginia ; on the east and 
south-east by the Atlantic ; on the south-west and south by 
South Carolina ; and on the west and north-west by Tennessee. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 69 counties, and the 
counties are subdivided into towns. 

Population.-^The population, in 1790, was 393,751 ; and in 
1820, 639,000. 

JVames. — This state was first a part of the Florida of the 
Spaniards and French, and of the Virginia of the English. 
It was next included in the patent of South Virginia ; then in 
that of Carolana ; and afterwards in that of Carolina. In 1729, 
it received the name of JVorth Carolina, in consequence of its 
being made a distinct province. 

Religion. — The Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians are 
the predominant sects. 

Government. — The legislative power is vested in the senate, 
elected by the landholders, and house of commons, elected bj- 
all who pay taxes. The governor is chosen annually by a joint 
ballot of both houses, and is eligible 3 years in 6. 

Militia. — In 1818, the militia of this state amounted to 50,387. 

Character. — The North Carolinians are mostly planters, and 
live from half a mile to three or four miles from each other on 
their plantations. They are hospitable, and industrious, and 
since the war are making progress in morals and religion. 

Literature. — There is a respectable and flourishing institu- 
tion, styled the University of JVorth Carolina, at Chapel Hill, 
28 miles west-north-west of Raleigh. There is an excellent 
Moravian seminary for females at Salem, and academies are 
established in various places. There is no general provision for . 
the support of schools in this state, but more attention is paid to 
the subject than formerly. 

Toivns. — Raleigh is the seat of government. It is pleasantly 
situated in the central part of the state, a,nd contains a hand- 
some brick state-house, in which is an elegant marble statue of 
Washington. Population, 2700. 

Newbern, situated on the Neuse, is the largest town in the 
state. It is well built, and has considerable commerce, and 
3700 inhabitants. 

Fayetteville, on Cape Fear River, near the nead of steamboat 
navigation, 60 miles soutli of Raleigh, is a flourishing town, and 
has a brisk trade, in tobacco, cotton and flour. Population, 
3600. 

Wilmington, on Cape Fear River, 36 miles from its mouth, 



OF NORTH CAROLINA. 81 

and 90 south-east of Fayetteville, contains 2600 inhabitants. 
The exports of this town are much greater than those of any 
other in the state. 

Edenton, on a bay of Albemarle Sound, contains 1600 inhab- 
itants ; Washington, on Pamlico River, 1000. The other prin- 
cipal towns are Salem, 100 miles west of Raleigh ; Salisbury, 
33 miles south-west of Salem ; Hillsborough, 30 miles west- 
nortli-west of Raleigh. 

Manufactures. — The manufactures of this state are chiefly do- 
mestic. The amount of manufactures, in 1810, was $6,700,000. 

Commerce. — Its commerce is limited for want of good har- 
bours ; and there is no considerable seaport. The amount of 
exports from this state, in 1821, was $586,000. The aggregate 
tonnage of this state, for the year 1821, was 33,000. 

Banks. — There are more than 10 banks in this state, whicli 
are distributed in the principal towns. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate is unhealthy in the low country ; but 
very agreeable in the elevated tracts. June is the most healthy 
month ; often May and July may be called healthy. Summers 
dry and cool are the most salubrious. The hottest weather is 
in July. Autumn is very pleasant, both in regard to the tem- 
perature and serenity of the weather, and the richness and va- 
riety of the vegetable productions, which the season affords. 
The winters are so mild in some years, that autumn may be said 
to continue till spring. Wheat harvest is in the beginning of 
June, and that of Indian corn early in September. 

Face of the Country. — North Carolina is divided into the low 
and sandy alluvion on the coast, the middle country on the 
Alleghanies, and the high countries among these mountains. 
Its coast is flat, and lined with sand-bars and islands. It is 
furnished with numerous sounds and inlets, but has no good 
harbours. 

SoU and Productions. — The soil varies with the geology, but 
is generally unproductive, except in the valleys of the streams, 
and among the mountains. It produces the crops both of the 
Northern and Southern States. The potatoe is indigenous in 
this state, and is supposed to have been conveyed from hence 
to Ireland in 1587 or 1588. 

Mountains. — The Alleghany Ridge crosses the western part 
of this state, and the Blue Ridge lies farther east. 

Rivers. — The principal rivers are the Roanoke, Chowan, 
Neuse, Pamlico or Tar, Cape Fear, Yadkin and Catawba. 

Sounds. — Albemarle, Pamlico and Core Sounds, all commu- 
nicate with each other. The inlets are Currituck, Roanoke, 
Grant and Ocracoke ; the last only is navigable. 

Capes. — Cape Hatteras is the most dangerous cape on the 
American coast. The shoals are extensive, and the weather 
frequently tempestuous. Cape Lookout and Cape Fear are 
also formidable to seamen. 



S2 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Swamps. — Great Dismal Swamp lies partly in this state, and 
partly in Virginia. It is 30 miles long, and 10 broad, and is a 
marshy tract, covered with trees and brushwood, in many parts 
so thick as to be impenetrable. Little Dismal Swamp is be- 
tween Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. 

Mineralogy. — A gold mine has been discovered in Cabarrag 
county, in this state, which had, in 1805, furnished the mint of 
the United States with virgin gold, which has produced 11,000 
dollars, gold coin ; more has been found, but the extent of the 
mine has not yet been discovered. Gold has been discovered 
in other creeks in the same neighbourhood. 

There is a long ridge of limestone, which, extending in a 
south-westerly direction, crosses the whole state of North 
Carolina. 

JVatural Curiosities. — Ararat or Pilot Mountain, is regarded 
as a great curiosity. It rises in the form of a pyramid, nearly a 
mile high. On the area at the top, which contains only about 
an acre, a stupendous rock rises to the height of 300 feet, and 
terminates with a flat surface at the top, which affords an ex- 
tensive and delightful prospect. 

In the vicinity of Salisbury, there is a. remarkable stone wall, 
the top of which approaches within one foot of the surface of 
the ground. It is laid in cement, plastered on both sides, 22 
inches thick, and 12 or 13 feet high. The length of what has 
been discovered is 300 feet. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.— This state lies between lat. 32° and 35° 8' N., and 
between Ion. 78° 24' and 83° 30' W. The greatest length of 
the state, from the mouth of the Santee to the north-west angle, 
is upwards of 340 miles. The breadth on the coast is 170 
miles, but it is generally much less ; and, at the farther extrem- 
ity, terminates in a point. 

Boundaries. — On the north and north-east, by North Caro- 
lina ; on the east, by the Atlantic ; and on the south-west and 
west, by the Savannah and Tugulo Rivers, which separate it 
from Georgia. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 28 districts. 

JVame. — This was a part of the Florida of the early Spanish 
and French, and of the Virginia and South Virginia, of the 
early English voyagers. With North Carolina and Georgia, it 
received the name of Carolana in 1630, and that of Carolina in 
1663. The name of South Carolina was given it when it was 
separated from North Carolina, in 1729. 

Population. — The population of South Carolina, in 1790, was 
240,073, including 107,094 slaves. In 1820, it was 502,741, 
including 258,475 slaves ; so that the number of the latter has 
increased faster than that of the freemen. 



or SOUTH CAROLINA. 83 

Religion. — ^The Methodists arc the most numerous sect. 
Next to these are the Baptists, Presbyterians of different de- 
scriptions, Episcopalians and Congregationalists. Besides the 
above, there are a few German and French Protestants, Quakers, 
Roman Catholics and Jews. The greater part of these de- 
nominations reside in the city of Charleston. 

Government. — The legislature consists of a senate and house 
of representatives. The senate is composed of 43 members, 
chosen every four years, by districts. The house of representa- 
tives consists of 124 members, chosen every two years by dis- 
tricts. The governor is chosen every two years, by a joint bal- 
lot of both houses. He can hold the office only two years in six. 

Militia. — The militia of this state is respectable. It amounts 
to 38,729 men, divided into 5 grand divisions, each commanded 
by a major-general. 

Revenue. — The revenue of this state, in 1815, was 1,429,000 
dollars. The taxes are on land and negroes. 

Character. — The Carolinians, says Dr. Ramsay, combine the 
love of liberty, hospitality, charity, and a sense of honour, with 
dissipation, indolence, and a disposition to contract debts. 
Hunting and dancing are favourite diversions, and music is cul- 
tivated with much diligence and success. The planters, who 
form the leading class, and have large incomes, live at their 
ease, are high-minded, and possess much of that dignity of 
character, which belongs to our independent country gentlemen. 
The farmers, who have few or no slaves, are active, industrious, 
and more simple in their manners. The women are generally 
well educated, and many of them possess refined manners and 
cultivated minds. Their natural vivacity is tempered by sweet- 
ness of disposition and discretion. They are affectionate wives, 
daughters, and mothers : they enjoy prosperity without ostenta- 
tion, and bear adversity with patience and dignity. " Indolence, 
ignorance and dissipation," in the opinion of Mr. Hall, "are 
leading traits in the character of the planters of the Southern 
States." The manners of the lower classes are depraved and 
brutal ; those of the upper, corrupted by power, are frequently 
arrogant and assuming. Unused to restraint or contradiction 
of any kind, they are necessarily quarrelsome ; and in their 
quarrels the native ferocity of their hearts breaks out. Duelling 
is not only in general vogue and fashion, but is practised with 
circumstances of peculiar vindictiveness. "It is usual, when 
two persons have agreed to fight, for each to go out regularly, 
and practise at a mark, in presence of their friends, during the 
interval which precedes their meeting : one of the parties, there- 
fore, commonly falls." These observations will apply to other 
Southern States. 

Literature. — In 1785, three colleges were constituted in this 
state, on the same day — one at Charleston, one at Winnsborough, 
and the other at Cambridge ; but they are colleges in name only, 
in truth only grammar schools. In 1795, a charter was granted 
for a college at Beaufort. 



84 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

South Carolina College, at Columbia, a well endowed and re- 
spectable institution, ie liberally patronised by the state. 

Academies have been established in varions places. The state 
has appropriated 30,000 dollars annually for the support of free 
schools. 

Towns. — Charleston is much the largest town, and the princi- 
pal emporium, not only of South Carolina, but also of a consid- 
erable part of North Carolina. It is situated on a tongue of 
land, formed by the confluence of Cooper and Ashley Rivers, 7 
miles from the ocean. It is regularly laid out, well built, and 
contains various public buildings, and is a place of much wealth 
and commerce. The houses are mostly of brick, many of them 
elegant, and furnished with piazzas. Population, 24,800. 

Columbia is the seat of government. It is jileasantly situated 
on the Congaree, 120 miles north-north-west of Charleston. It 
is a flourishing town, regularly laid out, and handsomely built, 
and contains a state-house, and a number of other elegant pub- 
lic edifices. Population, 3,000. 

Georgetown, on Winyaw Bay, 12 miles from the sea, 60 north- 
north-east of Charleston, has considerable trade. Population, 
2,000. 

Camden is situated at the head of boat navigation, on the 
Wateree, 25 miles north-east of Columbia ; Beaufort, on an 
islarnd, 72 miles south-west of Charleston. 

Banks. — There are 8 banks in this state ; 6 at Charleston, 
1 at Columbia, 1 at Georgetown. 

Manufactures. — Domestic manufactures, in the upper dis- 
tricts, are carried on to an extent which goes far to supply the 
wants of families, but none are made for exportation, articles of 
iron excepted. The amount of manufactures in this state, in 
1810, was 3,623,595. 

Commerce. — The exports of South Carolina exceed those of 
any one of the Southern States, except Louisiana, which is 
properly the outlet of the whole western country. Cotton and 
rice are the leading articles, after which may be classed timber, 
pitch, tar, turpentine, beef, pork, indigo, and tobacco. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate of tliis state is warmer than that of 
North Carolina ; but the degree of heat in Charleston is con- 
siderably less than in the interior western country. April, May, 
and June, are commonly the healthiest months ; August and 
September the most unhealthy. The hottest day of the year is 
sometimes as early as June, sometimes as late as September, 
but most frequently in July or August. The soil is seldom 
bound with frost, and this does not often extend into the ground 
rnore than two inches. Sharp cold weather seldom commences 
before December, though there are several cold days in No- 
vember. 

Face of the Country. — This state is sometimes divided, aa to 
its surface, inte the lower and upper country. The upper cou"n- 



OF SOUTH CAROLINA. S5 

try includes all the land above the falls of the rivers, and the 
lower comprehends all the country between this and the sea 
coast. This country produces extensive forests of pitch-pine, 
which are called pine barrens. Extensive marshes and swamps 
are also found in this tract. The western part of the state is 
mountainous. 

Soil and Productions. — The rivers are bordered with marshc?, 
in which are produced large crops of rice. To the distance of 
J 00 miles from the sea, the country is low, flat, and sandy. 
Above this, and reaching to the foot of the mountains, is a fer- 
tile country, beautifully diversified with hill and dale, and richly 
wooded. In addition to many of the fruits of the Northern 
States, South Carolina produces oranges, limes, lemons, figs, 
and pomegranates. The low country is universally occupied by 
planters, who cultivate the ground by slaves; in the upper coun- 
try the population consists chiefly of farmers, who work with 
their own hands. Cotton, the great staple of the state, is of 
three varieties. The black seed cotton is grown on the sea 
islands, and in the low country ; it produces a fine, white fleece, 
of a silky appearance, very strong, and of a long, good staple. 
Green seed, or upland cotton, chiefly cultivated in the middle 
and upper country, produces a white fleece, good, but of shorter 
staple, and inferior to the other. It adheres so closely to the 
seed, that, till the invention of the cotton gin by Mr. Whitney, it 
was not worth cleaning. That invention has been of incalcula- 
ble benefit to the Southern States. The Mznkeen cotton, raised 
chiefly in the middle and upper country, for family use, retains 
the Nankeen colour as long as it is worn. The cultivation of 
rice is necessarily limited to lands that admit of irrigation — to 
swamps on bays, creeks and rivers overflowed by the tide, and 
to inland swamps, with reservoirs of water. Inland plantations 
yield from 600 to 1500 pounds of clean rice per acre ; tide 
plantations, from 1200 to 1500, and the best as high as 2400 per 
acre. Rice is sown in the tide lands about the 20th of March, 
and in the inland swamps about the second week in April. The 
land is previously turned up with the plough or hoe, and then 
drilled by the same instruments into trenches. In these the rica 
is sown, from one to two bushels per acre. The planters then 
flow the fields with water, keeping it on from two to four daya. 
This kills the worms, and starts the grain, which appears five or 
six days afterwards. It is commonly hoed three times during^ 
its growth, and in the second hoeing the grass is picked up 
by the hand from the trenches, and the rice is then overflowed 
from ten to twenty days. As the water is gradually drawn off, 
the plants branch, and on the number of branches depends the 
size of the crop, each branch producing one ear of from 100 t« 
300 grains. Three months after sowing, it begins to joint, 
blossom, and form the ear. It is then overflowed till harvest, 
which commences in the end of August, near the sea, and in 
September is general through tlie state. The rice ground*, 
thus alternately wet and dry, infect the air with noxious e.xiiala- 

a 



86 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

tions, and spread bilious and intermitting fevers among the ne- 
groes who labour them, and the white settlers who live in their 
vicinity. A single plantation has often rendered a considerable 
town unhealthy. Rice was introduced into Carolina from Mad- 
agascar only in 1G93. 

Mountains. — The Alleghany Mountains extend through the 
western part of this state. The principal summit in South Caro 
lina is Table Mountain, which has been estimated at about 4,000 
feet in height. On one side of it is a tremendous precipice, 
nearly perpendicular, styled the Lover's Leap, which is regard- 
ed as an interesting curiosity. 

Rivers. — The Savannah separates this state from Georgia. 
The Santee is the largest river in South Carolina. It is formed 
by the Congaree and Wateree. Steamboats go up to Columbia 
on the Congaree, and boats to Camden on the Wateree. The 
Pcdee is navigable for boats about 200 miles. Some of the 
other rivers are the Waccamaw, Cooper, Ashley, Edisto, and 
Combahee. 

Canal. — A canal, 22 miles long, connects Cooper River with 
the Santee. 

Mineralogy. — Iron ore of an excellent quality abounds in the 
upper country, particularly in the districts of Pendleton and 
Greenville. 

THE MAGNOLIA. 

The magnolia grandiflora is the glory of the southern forest, 
arid produces a larger flower than any other tree that is known. 
It is found in great perfection in Florida, and in several of the 
Southern States. It is a noble evergreen tree, and an uncom- 
monly striking object, rising with an erect trunk to the height 
ef 100 feet, and forming towards the head a perfect cone, having 
its dark-green foliage silvered over with milk-white flowers, fre- 
quently 8 or 9 inches in diameter. The leaves are partly of an 
oval form, of a deep green, shining and beautiful. The magno- 
lia blossoms in July. The flowers are on the extremities of 
the branches, perfectly white, and expanded like a full blown 
rose. 



GEORGIA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Exte7it. — This state lies between lat. 30° 42' and 35" N., and 
between Ion. 80° 20' and 86° W. Its length is 270 miles. Its 
breadth at Savannah is 250 ; on the southern boundary, 170, and 
oh the northern, 120. 

Boundaries. — On the north, by the parallel of 35°, which di- 
vides the state from Tennessee and North Carolina, till it strikes 
the head waters of Savannah River ; on the north-east, by Sa- 
vannah River, which separates it from South Carolina ; on the 
•east, by the Atlantic; on the south, by Florida; and on the 
west, by Alabama. 



OF GEORGIA. 87 

Divisions. — That part of the state which is settled is divided 
into 4 districts, and 38 counties. 

J^ames. — The French and Spaniards early gave the name of 
Florida to a large undefined tract of country, reaching north- 
ward from the Gulf of Mexico, The English, at the same time, 
gave it the name of Virginia and South Virginia. The name 
of Carolana was given, in 1630, to all the country south of lat. 
16°, and that of Carolina to the country between 26° and 31° 
north, in 1663. This state was iticluded under each of these 
territories. Its present name was given to it in 1732, in honour 
of George II. 

Religion. — The inhabitants of this state, who profess the 
Christian religion, are of the Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Baptist 
and Methodist denominations. The two latter are much the 
most numerous. 

Population. — The population of Georgia, in 1790, was 82,548, 
and in 1820, it had increased to 340,989, of whom 149,656 were 
slaves. 

Government. — The legislature is styled the general assembly, 
and consists of a senate and a house of representatives. The 
senate are chosen annually by counties, one from each. The 
representatives are chosen annually by counties, each sending 
at least one, and none more than four. The governor is chosen 
for two years, by the general assembly. 

Indians. — The Creek Indians inhabit the western and south- 
western parts of the state ; and the nortli-western part is in- 
cluded in the Cherokee country. 

Militia. — There were, in 1817, 27,484 men on the militia rolls 
in this state, in general badly armed and disciplined. 

Character. — No general character will apply to the inhabitants 
at large. There is so little uniformity, that it is difficult to trace 
ahy governing principles among them. An open and friendly 
hospitality, particularly to strangers, is an ornamental charac- 
teristic of a great part of this people. 

Literature. — There is a respectable college at Athens, 94 
miles west-north-west of Augusta, styled Franklin College, and 
provision is made for an academy in each county. 

Towns. — Milledgeville is the seat of government. It is a 
flourishing town, pleasantly situated on the Oconee, 300 miles 
by the river from the sea, 160 west-north-west of Savannah, and 
contains an elegant state-house, a penitentiary, and an arsenal, 
all of brick. Population, 2100. 

Savannah, on the River Savannah, 17 miles from its mouth, is 
the emporium of the state, and a place of extensive commerce. 
It is built on a sandy plain, elevated about 40 feet above low 
tide. The streets are regularly laid out, and planted with trees, 
called the pride of China. Population, about 4000. 

Augusta, on the Savannah, 340 miles above the city of Sa- 
vannah, by the river, and 123 by land, is a flourishing town. 
Immense quantities of cotton, also tobacco, and other produce, 



SS GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

are collected here, and conveyed down the river to Savannah. 
Population, about 4000. 

Darien is a flourishing commercial town, near the mouth of 
the Alatamaha. 

Among the other towns are Petersburg, on the Savannah, 53 
miles above Augusta ; Washington, 50 west-north-west of Au- 
gusta ; Louisville, 110 north-west of Savannah ; Sparta, 25 
north-east of Milledgeville, and St. Mary's in the south-east 
part of the state. 

Manufactures. — Sugar is now manufactured to a considerable 
extent in the low country. The inhabitants in the interior are 
in the habit of manufacturing their clothing and bedding for 
common use. The estimated value of manufactures of this 
state, in the year 1810, was 3,53.3,.387 dollars. 

Commerce. — The commerce is extensive, but chiefly carried 
on by northern ships. The exports, in 1822, amounted to 
5,485,000 dollars. The shipping, in 1821, was only 14,000 tons. 

Banks. — There is one or more banks in most of the cities and 
towns which have been mentioned. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — Till within 8 or 10 years, the months of July, Au- 
gust and September, were denominated the sickly season. The 
summers since that time have been cooler, and epidemic fevers 
nave raged in the autumnal months. The winters in Georgia 
are mild and pleasant ; snow is seldom or never seen. 

Face of the Counti-y. — Georgia, like the state last described, 
consists of two tracts of land — an alluvial plain, towards the 
coast, covered with sands intermixed with swamps ; and a roll- 
ing upland country of good soil towards the mountains. 

Soil and Agriculture. — The lands in the upper country are of 
four sorts. The best are tlie low grounds. These lie on the 
rivers and creeks, and have a soil that is a mixture of rich black 
mould with a small quantity of fine sand. Land of the second 
quality is called mulatto land, and has a fine dust of a reddish 
colour, approaching to clay. Gray land is the third quality. 
The soil is a mixture of a gray mould. The fourth quality, 
called barrens, is poor and unproductive. On the dry plains 
grow large crops of sweet potatoes. The cultivation of cotton 
is very profitable, and employs almost all the people, to the ex- 
clusion of the other branches of agriculture. Indigo was for- 
merly an important product of this state, but is now generally 
neglected. 

Mountains. — Cunaw-hee Mountain is the southern termina- 
tion of the Blue Ridge. It rises, like a sugar-loaf, out of the 
rich plains of Franklin county, and is about 1500 feet above the 
level of the sea. 

Rivers. — The largest rivers are the Savannah, Ogeechee, 
Alatamaha, Satilla, Oakmulgee, Oconee, St. Mary's, Flint, 
Chatahoochee, Talapoosa and Coosa. 

Swamps. — Okefonoco is an Indian word, and means living 



OF ALABAMA. 89 

_^round, or shaking ground. This swamp has been said to be 
300 miles in circumference, but is not in fact more than 180. 
There is another swamp, called Cypress Swamp, between Flint 
and Satilla Rivers. 

Bays. — There are numerous bays or sounds along the coast, 
between the islands and the main. 

Zoology. — Alligators abound in the rivers of Georgia, and 
there are great numbers of reptiles, many of a venomous kind. 
The number of frogs also is prodigious. Musquitoes swarm 
like the flies of Egypt, around the swamps and low grounds. 
The cochineal insect is found in great numbers on the leaves of 
the cactus opuntia, on the southern part of the coast. 

Mineral Waters. — There are several valuable mineral springs, 
hut the most celebrated are Indian Springs, 16 miles from Mon- 
ticello. These springs are much resorted to in summer. 

JVatural Curiosities. — Tuccoa Falls, in Franklin county, near 
the north-west corner of Georgia, form a most beautiful cataract 
of 133 feet in perpendicular height. The stream on which they 
are situated rises from Chatahoochee Ridge, 5 miles distant, 
but is not very large. The water is precipitated with singular 
beauty over a perpendicular rock, and, when the stream is full, 
it passes down the precipice without being broken. 

JVicojack Cave. — At Nicojack, in the Cherokee country, in the 
north-west corner of Georgia, is a remarkable cave. It is half a 
mile from the south bank of Tennessee River, situated in Rac- 
coon Mountain, which fronts to the north-east. Immense layers 
of horizontal limestone form a precipice of considerable height. 
In this precipice is the entrance of the cave, with a mouth 160 
feet wide, and 50 high. Its roof is formed by a solid and reg- 
ular layer of limestone, having no support but the sides of the 
cave, and as level as the floor of a house. From its entrance it 
consists chiefly of one grand excavation through the rocks, pre- 
serving for a great distance the same dimensions as at its mouth. 
The most remarkable circumstance respecting it is, that it forms 
for the whole distance, as far as it has been explored, a walled 
and vaulted passage, for a stream of cool and limpid water, 
which, where it leaves the cave, is 60 feet wide, and 6 deep. A 
few years since. Col. Ore, of Tennessee, traced the course of 
this stream in a canoe for the distance of 3 miles. He then 
came to a fall of water, which obliged him to return. He entered 
the cave in the morning, and did not return till the evening, hav- 
ing been busily engaged for 12 hours in his subterranean voyage. 



ALABAMA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — ^This state lies partly on the north shore of the Gulf 
of Mexico, between lat. 30® and 35° N., and between Ion. 85"* 
and 88° 10' W. Length, from north to south, about 360 miles ; 
breadth, about 200. 
8* 



90 * GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Boundaries. — This state has Georgia on the east, Tennessee 
on the north, Mississippi on the west, and the Gulf of Mexico 
on the south. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 22 counties. 

Population. — The population, in 1820, was 144,317, of whom 
41,859 were slaves. 

JVame. — This state takes its name from the Indian name of its 
principal river. 

Government. — Alabama was raised to the rank of a state in 
1819. The act of congress, which admits this state into the 
Union, on an equal footing with the original states, authorizes 
the citizens of Alabama to form themselves a constitution, and 
determines the qualifications, and the number of the representa- 
tives to the general assembly, from the several counties ; 44 in 
the whole. 

Militia. — No returns have yet been made of the number of 
the militia. 

Manners and Customs. — These are mixed and various, accord- 
ing to the manners and customs of the states and nations, from 
which these new settlers have been collected. They have not 
been together a sufficient time to form a regular and uniform 
character. 

Literature. — The act of congress constituting this state re- 
serves, on certain conditions, section No. 16, in every township, 
for the use of its schools. Land is also reserved to be appropri- 
ated to the support of a college. Huntsville may be considered 
the seat of literature. 

Towns. — Cahawba is situated on the Alabama, at the junc- 
tion of the River Cahawba, 150 miles north by east of Mobile. 
It was laid out in 1819, and in 1821 contained 1200 inhabitants. 

Mobile and Blakely are the principal ports. Mobile is sit- 
uated at the head of Mobile Bay, .33 miles north of its entrance 
into the Gulf of Mexico. Population, 2500. 

Blakely is situated on the east channel of the Mobile, 12 
miles east-north-east of Mobile. 

Huntsville, in the northern part of the state, 11 miles north 
of the River Tennessee, and about 220 north of Cahawba, is a 
flourishing town, situated in a very fertile district. Population, 
1500. 

Tuscaloosa, the seat of government, is a thriving tovi^n, at the 
head of navigation, on the Black Warrior or Tuscaloosa River, 
97 miles north of Cahawba. 

Some of the other principal towns are St. Stephen's, at the 
head of schooner navigation, on the Tombeckbe ; Claiborne, at 
tlie head of schooner navigation, on the Alabama ; Florence, on 
the Tennessee, at the lower end of the Muscle Shoals. 

Banks. — There are three banks at Alabama, — one at Hunts- 
ville and St. Stephen's, and a branch of the United States' Bank 
at Mobile. 

Manufactures and Commerce. — Both these are yet in their in- 
fancy, and no official returns have been made. The prospects, 



OF MISSISSIPPI. 91 

in regard to both, are highly favourable. Its commerce is al- 
ready very considerable. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The southern part is low and level : 
the northern is elevated and diversified ; in some parts moun- 
tainous. The Alleghany Mountains terminate in the north-east 
part. 

5*017 and Productions. — A large portion of the soil is very fer- 
tile, and adapted to the various purposes of agriculture ; but the 
staple production is cotton. 

Rivers. — The two most important rivers are the Alabama and 
Tombeckbe, which unite 45 miles above Mobile Bay, to form 
Mobile River. The Alabama and Tombeckbe afford a schooner 
navigation upwards of 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and a 
boat navigation far into the interior. 

Springs. — The salt springs in this state are reserved for public 
use, and are not to be sold. 

Mineralogy. — Great quantities of excellent coal are found in 
several places ; also iron ore. Petrifactions are very common 
in tlie northern parts. 



MISSISSIPPI. 

HISTORICAT. GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.-r-The act of congress of March, 1817, establishing 
this state, prescribes the following limits : Beginning on the 
Mississippi River, at the point where the southern boundary line 
of the state of Tennessee strikes the same ; thence east, along 
the same boundary line, to the Tennessee River ; thence up the 
same to the mouth of Bear Creek ; thence, by a direct line, to 
tlie north-west corner of the county of Washington ; thence due 
south to the Gulf of Mexico ; thence westwardly, including all 
the islands within six leagues of the shore, to the most eastern 
junction of Pearl River with Lake Borgne ; thence up said 
river to the thirty-first degree of north latitude ; thence west, 
along this line of latitude to the Mississippi River ; thence up 
the same to the beginning. 

Boundaries. — It lies between 30° and 35° north latitude, and 
88° 20' and 91° 30' west longitude ; and is 350 miles long, from 
north to south, and, on an average, about 1.30 broad, containing 
about 45,000 square miles, or 29,000,000 of acres. It is bounded 
on the north by Tennessee ; east by Alabama ; south by the 
Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana ; and west by the Mississippi 
River. 

Divisions. — All th'e northern parts of the state are yet occu- 
pied by the Indians. The part which has been divided into 
counties lies south of the mouth of the Yazoo River, and com- 
prehends less than one third of the whole state. The names 
of the counties are, Warren, Claiborne, Jefferson, Adams, Wil- 



95 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

kinson, Franklin, Amite, Lawrence, Pike, Marion, Wayne, 
Greene, Hancock, Covington, Jackson, Monroe. Of these the 
five first lie upon the Mississippi River, between the mouth of 
the Yazoo and the southern boundary of the state, and contain 
two thirds of the whole population, on a territory of about 2500 
square miles. Franklin and Amite lie directly east of Adams 
and Wilkinson. The remaining counties lie south-east of the 
others. Hancock county borders on the Gulf of Mexico. 

JSTame. — This state takes its name from the river which forms 
its western boundary. 

Religion. — There is a very great deficiency in the means of 
religious instruction, and there are few preachers of education, 
or who possess the qualifications for teachers of religious truth. 
The principal denominations scattered through the state are 
Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists. 

The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions 
have made some efforts for extending the privileges of Chris- 
tianity to the Indians, and have established missionary stations 
among the Choctaws at Elliot, and among the Cherokees at 
Brainerd. Both have been encouraged by the pleasing success 
that has attended them. 

Laws. — The fourth section of the act of congress admitting 
this state into the Union, provides that every tract of land sold 
by congress shall be exempt from any tax laid by the state, 
whether for state, county, town, parish, or other purposes, for 
the term of five years from the day of sale ; and that the lands 
belonging to the citizens of the United States residing without 
the state, shall never be taxed higher than the lands belonging 
to persons residing therein ; and that no tax shall be imposed on 
lands the property of the United States ; and that the River 
Mississippi, and the navigable streams and rivers leading into the 
same, or into the Gulf of Mexico, shall be common highways, 
and for ever free to all the citizens of the United States, without 
any tax, duty, impost, or toll therefor, imposed by the state. 

Population. — According to the census of 1820, the population 
of Mississippi amounted to 75,000, of whom 32,814 were slaves. 
A very considerable number of emigrants are annually removing 
into this state, and the institutions of government, literature 
and religion will probably be multiplied proportionably to the 
increase of population. 

Uterature. — Jefferson College, in the town of Washington, 
was incorporated in 1802 ; but the institution cannot yet be 
ranked higher than a respectable academy. Another college 
has been recently incorporated in Shieldsborough. There are 
academies at Natchez, Monticello, and Woodville. 

Towns. — Natchez, on the Mississippi, 320 miles by the river, 
and 156 by land, above New Orleans, is much the largest town. 
It is situated on a bluff or bank, elevated about 150 feet above 
the river, and has a flourishing trade. All the other towns are 
small. Jackson, the seat of government, is a new town on Pearl 
River, near the head. Some of the other more considerable 



OF MISSISSIPPI. 93 

places are, Washington, six miles north by east of Natchez ; 
Woodville, 37 nules south of Natchez ; Port Gibson, 35 miles' 
north by east of Natchez ; Monticello, on Pearl River, 90 miles 
east of Natchez ; Shieldsborough, on the Bay of St. Louis, 40 
miles north-east of New Orleans. Elliot, on the Yalo Busha, 
130 miles above Natchez, is a missionary station among the 
Choc taws. 

Manufactures. — The manufactures in Mississippi are few, as 
the cotton, which forms the staple article of growth, is mostly 
exported, or manufactured in the Northern and Middle States, 
where the density of populatiofi requires a greater quantity of 
cotton goods. 

Bank. — A bank is established at Natchez, with a capital of 
$3,000,000, having several branches. 

Commerce. — Cotton is the principal article of exportation. 
Tobacco and indigo were formerly important articles of com- 
merce, but the former is nearly, and the latter entirely abandon- 
ed by the planters, in consequence of the increasing demand for 
cotton and the facilities which new inventions have afforded for 
its preparation for the manufacturer. Most of the flour and 
grain consumed in the settlements on the Mississippi, is pur- 
chased from the boats of the interior and northern country. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The country on the Mississippi, from the Yazoo tp 
the southern boundary of the state, is salubrious, except the 
parts immediately adjacent to the river. The surface is dry and 
waving, little or no marshy laud exists, and the spring and well 
water is excellent. The inhabitants here are said to enjoy as 
fine health as in any other part of the world of the same latitude, 
and the weather, from September to April, is uniformly pleasant. 

Face, of the Country. — The southern part of the territory, 
about 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, is mostly a flat coun- 
try, with occasional hills of moderate elevation, and is covered 
with forests of the long-leaved pine, interspersed with the cy- 
press swamps, open prairies, and inundated marshes. A con- 
siderable portion of this part is susceptible of cultivation. In 
proceeding north, the face of the country becomes more elevated 
and agreeably diversified. 

Mountains. — There are no very considerable mountains with- 
in the limits of Mississippi. At Loftus Heights, in the south- 
west corner of the state, a ridge of land commences and pursues 
a north-eastern course into the Indian country, separating the 
waters which flow into the Buffalo, the Homochitto and Yazoo, 
from those which flow into the Amite and into the Pearl. 
Though this ridge is not very elevated, there is a sejisible dif- 
ference of climate on the opposite sides. 

Soil and Productions. — The counties lying west of the di- 
viding ridge, and bordering upon the Mississippi, are the most fer- 
tile parts of the state in possession of the whites. The westeru 



94 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

border of this section is formed by the banks of the Mississippi 
The extensive bottoms of these tracts are liable to an annual 
inundation from the river, and the whole extent of the surface 
thus inundated is estimated at 6000 square miles. There are 
but few places in the United States, where the soil affords more 
diversity than does the country watered by the Yazoo, Big Black, 
Homochitto, Buffalo, and the numerous streams in their vicinity. 
No part of the earth is more congenial than this to the growtli 
of cotton, and this useful plant flourishes luxuriantly in this warm 
and waving soil. After leaving the level, inundated bottoms of 
the Mississippi, and ascending into the interior, the surface of 
the country is generally composed of rich loam, and thickly tim- 
bered with a great variety of trees. 

Upon land thus richly clad by nature have arisen the fine 
farms that now pour such abundant wealth into the lap of their 
owners. Though the cultivation of the vegetables and the 
richest species of fruits would be abundantly successful, yet the 
growth of cotton, which is attended with such enormous profits, 
is so much more lucrative, that this state will probably, for a 
long time to come, be supplied with its grain and fruits from 
the country lying above. 

Rivers. — The Mississippi forms the western boundary of the 
state, and has already been particularly described. The other 
principal rivers are, the Yazoo, which runs almost entirely with- 
in the Indian country, and affords a navigation for the distance 
of 100 miles ; the Big Black, navigable £Uiout70 miles ; the Ho- 
mochitto, rising in the Indian country, and flowing south-west 
into the Mississippi ; the BufFalo and the Pearl Rivers, which 
last is the largest stream between the Mobile and Mississippi, 
but its navigation is much impeded by shallows ; the Pascagou- 
la, which is navigable for vessels drawing four feet of water 
about 50 miles. The Tennessee also flows through this state. 

Natural Curiosities. — About 300 miles north-east of Natchez 
are immense beds of oyster shells, extending at intervals through 
a distance of twelve miles. The shells do not cover the surface 
of the earth merely, but form a constituent part of the hills or 
plains in which they are found. The Spanish moss, which is 
met with in the Choctaw nation, about 300 miles from New Or- 
leans, is also a curiosity. This singular vegetable attaches itself 
to the bran'ches of the trees, and hangs loosely from them, havino- 
the colour and appearance of dressed flax. 

Zoology. — Game in this state is scarce ; but tigers, bears, 
wolves, wild-cats and foxes are found in the forests skirting the 
Mississippi. The alligator inhabits the streams south of latitude 
52°. The teeth of this animal are short and irregular, and the 
jaws remarkably strong. If they are successful in seizing their 
prey, they never suffer it to escape. On the approach of rainy 
weather, they make a bellowing noise, which may be heard at 
the distance of half a mile. 



OF LOUISIANA. $4 

LOUISIANA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — This state lies between 29® and 33° N. lat., and be- 
tween 89** and 94° 10' W. Ion. Its greatest length, from north 
to south, is 270 miles ; and its greatest breadth, from east to 
west, is 300 miles ; its breadth on the northern border is 174 
miles. It is estimated to contain 48,220 square miles. 

Boundaries. — It is bounded north by Arkansas Territory, east 
by the state of Mississippi, south by the Gulf of Mexico, and 
west by the Spanish dominions. 

Divisions. — The state appears to be divisible into three great 
natural sections; — the northern, embracing, in general, the 
country north of the parallel of 31° ; the south-eastern, embrac- 
ing all the country below that parallel, and east of the Atcha- 
falaya River ; and the south-western section, including the re- 
mainder of the state lying west of that river. The civil division 
is into parishes. In the northern section are, Natchitoches, 
Ouachitta, Rapides, Ocatahoola, Concordia, Avoyelles. In the 
south-eastern section are, Placquemines, Orleans, St. Ber- 
nard, St. Charles, St. John Baptiste, St. James, Ascension, As- 
sumption, Interior of La Fourche, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, 
Point Coupee, New Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, St. Helena, 
St. Tammany. In the south-western section are, St. Mary's 
and St. Martin's, (Attacapas,j St. Landre, (Opelousas.) 

JVame. — The name o{ Louisiana was given to this country in 
honour of Louis XIV., and was originally applied to the whole 
country west of the Mississippi, included within the limits of 
the present state of Louisiana, and of the Arkansas and Missouri 
Territories. 

Religion. — The majority of the population of the state are 
Roman Catholics, though the clergy of the order are not very 
numerous. Within the last fifteen years, Protestant mission- 
aries, of several denominations, have visited the country, and 
established churches in various places in the state. No regard 
is paid to the Sabbath, by the great mass of the people in the 
state. Dancing, gambling, parties of pleasure, and theatrical 
amusements, are the common business of the day, in the city 
of New Orleans, after mass in the morning. A change for the 
better, in regard to the low state of religion and morals, has 
already successfully commenced. Men of high standing and 
influence are engaged with becoming zeal in this work of 
reform. 

Government. — The legislature is composed of a senate, of 17 
members, and a house of representatives, of 34 members. The 
government is as yet well balanced between the French and 
American party. In 1818, the French had the majority in the 
house of representatives, and the Americans in the senate. The 
governor, treasurer and secretary of state were French. In 
the superior court, two of the judges were French, aad one 



96 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

American. Of the district judges, six were Americans, and 
only one French. 

Population. — The number of inhabitants in this state, accord- 
ing to the census for 1820, was 153,000, of whom 69,064 were 
slaves. This population is principally settled on the banks of 
the Mississippi, from Point Coupee to some distance below New 
Orleans, on both sides of the river. Through the whole dis- 
tance, of more than 100 miles, the banks present the appearance 
of almost a continued village. The inhabitants of the upper 
parts of these settlements are Canadians ; of tlie middle, Ger- 
mans ; and in the lower parts are French and Spanish, from 
Europe. 

Militia. — The number of militia, in 1827, amounted to 9233. 

Revenue. — The revenue of Louisiana, in 1815, amounted to 
985,000 dollars, and increases in proportion to the consumption 
of foreign goods, which are needed to supply the growing pop- 
ulation of the immense valley of the Mississippi. 

Character. — In journeying from New Orleans to the moutli 
of the Sabine River, we meet with men in every stage of civili- 
zation. In New Orleans, and other places on the banks of the 
Mississippi, the sugar and cotton planters live in splendid edi- 
fices, and enjoy all the luxuries that wealth can impart. In At- 
tacapas and Opelousas, the glare of expensive luxury vanishes, 
and is followed by substantial independence. Often the loom 
occupies one part of the common sitting room or parlour, of 
families really wealthy. The farmers in this part of the country 
count their cattle by the thousand. Hospitality and bravery are 
mentioned as common characteristics of the people in this part 
of the state. 

lAterature. — Education has hitherto been deplorably neglect- 
ed, and, till very recently, they were almost without schools. 
Of the French inhabitants, not one in ten can read. The gov- 
ernment is now turning its attention to the establishment of 
schools, academies, and higher seminaries of learning, in differ- 
ent parts of the country. A Catholic college has been estab- 
lished in New Orleans, which is said to be pretty well endowed. 

Toivns. — New Orleans, the capital, is the only large town. 
It is built on the east bank of the Mississippi, 100 miles, by the 
river, from its mouth. It is admirably situated for commerce, on 
one of the largest rivers in the world, whose numerous branches, 
extending many hundred miles in different directions, waft to 
this port the products of different climes. Since it has belonged 
to the United States, it has become one of the greatest empo- 
riums of commerce in America. New Orleans is built on ground 
lower than the surface of the river, and is protected from inun- 
dation by an embankment called the levee, which extends IGO 
miles in length. The city is subject to great ravages from the 
yellow fever. The population, in 1800, was 10,000 ; in 1820, 
27,176. 

Saton Rouge is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi, 
150 miles, by the river above New Orleans. It is built on the 



OF LOUISIANA. 97 

first eminence that is seen in ascending the Mississippi, and is 
elevated twenty-five or thirty feet above high water mark. 
Population, 1100. 

Alexandria is situated on Red River, 346 miles, by water, 
north-easterly from New Orleans. 180 in a direct line. It has 
considerable trade, and employs several steamboats. Popula- 
tion, 700. The other principal towns are Natchitoches on Red 
River, St. Francisville on the Mississippi, Donaldsonville and 
Madisonville on the same river, and St. Martinsville on the 
Teche, 

Manufactures. — The manufactures of this state are extremely 
inconsiderable. The whole amount invested, in 1810, was 
$1,200,000. 

Commerce. — The commerce is great, and is daily augmenting, 
as the facilities for navigating the Mississippi and its branches 
are continually multiplied. The productive valley of the Mis- 
sissippi pours its abundance into New Orleans, which consists 
chiefly of cotton, sugar and molasses. This is the port of entry 
and clearance for all articles of commerce, and possesses most 
of the shipping belonging to the state. The amount of exports 
from the state, in 1820, v/as $7,979,000. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — About 30° nortli latitude may be assumed as the 
region of snow ; few instances occur of its falling below that 
parallel. There is a singular coincidence between the line 
where snow ceases and sugar cane commences. Maiiy attempts 
have been made to cultivate sugar cang above 31° north latitude, 
some of which produced delusive results, as no instance has yet 
occurred, where the existence of that plant was not found pre- 
carious, when attempted in places where snow had been fre- 
quent. The southern parts of this state in summer are hot, 
sultry and unhealthy. The northern parts are more temperate 
and healthy. 

Face of the Country. — The southern section of this state 
includes the delta of the Mississippi. The country about the 
mouths of the river, for thirty miles, is one continued swamp, 
destitute of trees, and covered with a species of coarse reed, 
four or five feet high. Nothing can be more dreary than a 
prospect from a ship's mast while passing the immense waste. 
The Mississippi flows upon a raised ridge or platform, its two 
banks forming long mounds, which are elevated many feet above 
the level of the surrounding country. Below 30° north latitude, 
the waters often cover the whole country. The whole extent of 
land, over which the inundation reaches, on the Mississippi and 
Red River, is estimated at 10,890 square miles ; but within this 
surface there are many tracts which are never covered. The 
best lands consist of the immediate banks of the river, which are 
from a mile to a mile and a half broad, and are seldom or never 
9 



93 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

overflowed. They are extremely rich, and sell by the front 
acre, the depth of each tract being forty, and sometimes eighty 
acres ; but only the seventy acres nearest the river are dry 
enough to be susceptible of cultivation. To protect this ground 
from inundation, a levee, or artificial embankment of earth, from 
five feet to thirty in height, is raised upon the natural bank of 
the river, at the distance of thirty or forty yards back from the 
usual margin of the water. Each proprietor is bound to keep 
up the levee in front of his own land, and on some plantations 
one sixth of the annual labour is employed in repairing these 
works. The water sometimes bursts these artificial barriers, 
and rushes out with a noise like the roaring of a cataract, boil- 
ing and foaming, and tearing every thing before it. When a 
breach of this kind is made, which is called a crevasse, the in- 
habitants, for miles above and below, abandon every employ- 
ment, and hasten to the spot, where every exertion is made, 
night and day, to re-establish the levee ; but more frequently 
the destructive element is suffered to take its course. The 
consequences are, that the flood overthrows the buildings, and 
sweeps away the crop, and often the soil, leaving the surface 
strewed with numerous logs and trees, which must be destroyed 
before the land can be again cultivated. 

Productions. — The staple productions of Louisiana are cotton, 
sugar and rice. The cotton plantations are the most extensive, 
but those of the sugar are rapidly increasing in the southern 
parts of the staie. There is a vast extent of lands adapted to 
the cultivation of rice, and which will be used for this purpose, 
whenever the demand for this article shall render it necessary. 
The fruits most generally cultivated are the peach, orange and 
fig. Plums, grapes and pomegranates grow luxuriantly, and 
produce abundantly. 

Rivers. — The Mississippi is the great river of Louisiana. The 
Red River rises in Mexico, in the Rocky Mountains, and flows 
into the Mississippi, 240 miles above New Orleans. It is navi- 
gable two thirds of the year for large steamboats as far as 
Alexandria. The other principal rivers are the \v achita, or 
Ouachitta, and the Sabine River. 

Lakes. — There is a chain of lakes, which wash the eastern 
side of the island of New Orleans, the principal of which are 
Pontchartrain, Maurepas, Borgne, Mermentau, Billineau and 
Sabine. 

Springs. — Salt springs are frequent upon all the streams be- 
tween Ouachitta and Red River. Two or three of these springs 
are in operation, and the principal manufactory of salt is in the 
neighbourhood of Natchitoches. There are springs on the 
Ouachitta and Dugdomoni, equally productive with that near 
Natchitoches, and capable of supplying the wants of the coun- 
try in its vicinity. 



OF TENNESSEE. ^9 

TENNESSEE. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent. — The extreme length of Tennessee is 430 miles, and 
ita breadth is 204 miles. It lies between 81" 30' and 90" 30' 
W. longitude, and between 35° and 36° 30' N. latitude, and con- 
tains an area of 41,300 square miles. 

Boundaiies. — It is bounded on the north by Kentucky and 
part of Virginia ; east by North Carolina ; south by Georgia, 
Alabama and Mississippi ; west by the River Mississippi. Its 
shape is rhomboidal. 

Divisions. — The Cumberland Mountains divide this state into 
two parts,^East and West Tennessee. The counties in East 
Tennessee are, Anderson, Bledsoe, Blount, Campbell, Carter, 
Claiborne, Cocke, Granger, Greene, Hamilton, Hawkins, Jeffer- 
son, Knox, Marion, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, 
Sevier, Sullivan, Washington. In West Tennessee the coun- 
ties are, Bedford, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hardman, 
Hickman, Humphries, Jackson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Montgome- 
ry, Maury, Overton, Perry, Robinson, Rutherford, Shelby, 
Sumner, Smith, Stuart, Wayne, Wilson, Williamson, White, 
Warren. 

JVame. — This state takes its name from its principal river. 
The Indians are said to have given this name to the river on 
account of its curvature, which gave to their imaginations the 
form of an Indian spoon, which is the meaning of the name. 

Religion. — The most numerous denominations of Christians 
in this state are Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians. Many 
of the preachers are persons of limited attainments in learning ; 
whose discourses are consequently better calculated to excite 
the passions than to enlighten the understanding. The build- 
ings erected for public worship are very ordinary, and indeed, 
in a country so new, splendid edifices are not to be expected. 
But, doubtless, from the increase of population in Tennessee, 
which contains many professors of religion, larger and more 
convenient places for public worship will soon be erected. 

Government. — By the constitution of this state, formed in 
1776, the legislative authority is vested in a general assembly, 
consisting of a senate and house of representatives ; the num- 
ber of representatives to be fixed once in seven years, by the 
legislature, according to the number of taxable inhabitants, who 
are to be numbered septennially. 

The executive power of the state is vested in a governor, who 
is chosen by tlie electors who elect the members of the legisla- 
ture : the person having the highest number of votes is chosen. 

Population. — The population of Tennessee, in 1790, was 
35,691, and in 1820, it was 422,813, of whom 72,157 were slaves. 

Militia. — There are several companies of cavalry in this state, 
and some of infantry, which are tolerably expert ; though, in 
general, the militia are far from being well disciplined. 'The 



100 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

number of militia, in 1817, was 29,193. They would make ex- 
cellent partisan warriors ; their hands and their eyes are familiar 
with the rifle ; and there is too much Indian in them not to un- 
derstand scouting. They are hardy, and used to privations, and 
must prove formidable to any enemy, that should attempt an in- 
vasion of their territory or their rights. 

Revenue. — This is raised by taxation, but the taxes are very 
low ; as each 100 acres of land pays annually to the state only 
\2i cents ; a free poll, the same ; and a slave, 25 cents. Every 
merchant or pedler pays 20 dollars a year in each county where 
he exhibits his goods for sale. 

Character. — There seems to be a greater resemblance between 
Tennessee and the Southern States, than the Northern. The 
character of the inhabitants, however, is not yet completely de- 
veloped, and there appears a constant change in their habits and 
practices, which shows that they are yet under the influence of 
the circumstances that attend the growing condition of any 
country. 

The progress of civilization is followed by the light of knowl- 
edge, and as knowledge elevates the intellectual powers of men, 
Ihey look at the great purposes of society, and make wise pro- 
visions for the security of its interests. 

Literature. — Acts of incorporation were passed by the territo- 
rial govemmevA, in 1794,.for three colleges in East Tennessee. 
The first, called Washington College, in Washington county ; 
the second, called Greenville College, in Greene ; and a third m 
Knox county. The two first are in a flourishing condition, and 
under the charge of instructors, who are well qualified for their 
charge, and deserve well for their assiduity. In West Tennes- 
see, there is a college at Nashville, called Cumberland College, 
which is under the charge of a president and tutor. The 
donation from congress for these colleges consisted of 100,000 
acres of land, which has been disposed of at one dollar per acre. 
Another 100,000 acres they conferred, also, for the support of 
academies, one in each county. A spirit for education seems to 
be increasing. 

Language. — The national language is uniformly spoken, for 
as foreigners come mostly by single families, they cannot pre- 
serve their different dialects, but are under the necessity of con- 
forming to the language of the place. 

Towns. — Murfreesborough, lately the seat of government, is 
pleasantly situated 32 miles south-east of Nashville, and is a 
thriving town, containing about 1,200 inhabitants. — Nashville is 
the capital town, and the largest in the state. It is situated on 
the Cumberland, in a fertile and populous country, and contains 
upwards of 5,000 inhabitants. The other most considerable 
towns in West Tennessee are Franklin, Fayetteville, Shelb)rville, 
Columbia, Clarksville, Carthage and Gallatin. 

Knoxville, in East Tennessee, is pleasantly situated on the Hols- 
ton, with a population of 2,000. The other principal towns in 
East Tennessee are, Jonesborough, Greenville, and Rogersville. 



OF TENNESSEE. 101 

Manufactures. — In East Tennessee, there are several estab- 
lishments for the manufacture of iron, a rolling and slitting mill, 
and two paper mills. Iron is also wrought to some extent in 
West Tennessee, and there are several machines for the spin- 
ning of cotton, and several for the manufacture of hemp into 
bagging and ropes. Salt is also made in great quantities in this 
state. The value of the manufactures, in 1810, was $3,600,000. 

Banks. — There are banks among the public institutions of 
Murfreesborougli and Nashville. 

Commerce. — The principal exports from this state have hitherto 
been coiton and tobacco. But the common articles of produc- 
tion in the Middle and Northern States are more generally and 
abundantly raised as the country becomes more thickly in- 
habited, and the different qualities of soil are brought under the 
hand of cultivation. Goods imported are brought into East 
Tennessee in wagons, from Baltimore and Philadelphia, and to 
West Tennessee, principally as far as to Pittsburg, and then by 
water down the Ohio and up the Cumberland. The commerce 
of this state will be facilitated by the construction of contem- 
plated canals, and will equal, in this department of active society, 
that of the states in its neighbourhood. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The climate of tliis state has been called the mid- 
dle climate of the United States, in consequence of the influence 
which the mountains, that extend over this and the neighbour- 
ing states, have upon it. The season of vegetation commences 
six or seven weeks earlier than in New Hampshire, and con- 
tinues as much later, making a difference of three months. 
There are some cold days in winter, and annually some snow. 
Ten inches is a deep snow, and ten days an extraordinary term 
for its duration. The piercing northerly winds, that prevail 
during the winter, in the Atlantic States, seldom affect the in- 
habitants of this state ; for they have no great mountains to the 
northward or westward. North-easterly storms never reach this 
country. 

Face of the Countrjj. — Tennessee is one of the most pleasant, 
healthful, and beautiful states in the Union. It is free of the 
barren, sandy tracts, and great swamps, so common in the states 
of the south, and enjoys a richer soil, as well as better climate, 
than those of the north. Cumberland Mountain passes through 
the state obliquely, and divides it into two equal valleys, which 
are intersected by Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. East 
Tennessee, in which is the nucleus of the Alleghany Mountains, 
is more broken than West Tennessee, where the mountains, in 
their western course, gradually subside, and terminate in a plain 
before they reach the Mississippi. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil is a mixture ; a great propor- 
tion of it clay. On Cumberland, Duck, and many other rivers, 
it is of a very superior quality. Corn is produced in great abun- 
dance, and the soil is well adapted to the growth of hemp, flax, 
9* 



i02 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

and for sweet potatoes ; vines, garden plants and fruit trees 
grow luxuriantly, and, as far as experiment has been made, 
grasses have been found to flourish, both for pastures and 
meadows. 

Rivers. — The two great rivers of the state are the Cumber- 
land and Tennessee. There are several beatable rivers flowing 
westerly into these, the principal of which are the Holston, Clinch, 
French Broad, Nolachucky, Hiwassee, and Duck. These rivers 
water abundantly both East and West Tennessee, and afford to 
the inhabitants of almost every part of the state the facilities of 
water carriage for the surplus productions of the soil. 

Mountains. — The mountains of this state are ribs of the Alle- 
ghany. They form a ridge, which separates this state from 
North Carolina. Its general course, as well as that of most of 
the others, is nearly from the north-east to the south-west. 
Cumberland Mountain is the largest eminence of the state. In 
its whole extent, from the Great Kenhawa to the Tennessee, it 
consists of the most stupendous piles of craggy rocks of any 
mountain in the western country. In several places even the 
Indians are not able to ascend these lofty summits, and in one 
place particularly, there is a most remarkable ledge of rocks, 
about thirty miles in length, and two hundred feet thick, show- 
ing a perpendicular face to the south-east, far more noble than 
any artificial fortification in the known world, and apparently 
equal in point of regularity. 

Springs. — On the waters of the French Broad River is a fine, 
large, clear, medicinal, warm spring, to which invalids from the 
Carolinas and Virginia have often resorted with benefit. When 
the improved state of the country shall afford sufficient accom- 
modations, this spring will probably be as much resorted to as 
those of the back parts of Virginia, being more convenient to 
the Southern States, and equally efficacious in healing diseases. 
There are also salt springs in this state, but they have not yet been 
productive, as salt has been procured from the vicinity on such 
terms as to discourage the manufacture of it from these waters. 

Botany. — The kinds of trees and plants found in this state 
are the same as belong to the same latitude in other parts of the 
United States. The forests afford almost every variety of tim- 
ber, and yield the several species of nuts, which the harder woods 
produce. The under-growth in many places, and especially in 
low grounds, is cane, some of which is twenty feet high, and so 
thick as to prevent any other plant from growing. There are 
also Virginia and Seneca snakeroot, ginseng, Carolina pink, 
angelica, senna, lobelia, Indian physic, spicewood, wild plum, 
.sweet anise, red bud ginger, spikenard, wild hop, and grape- 
vines. The glades are covered with wild rye, wild oats, clover, 
bufiulo grass, strawberries and pea vines. On the hills, at the 
heads of the rivers, are found majestic red cedars, many of 
which are four feet in diameter, and forty feet clear of limbs. 
■ Mineralogy. — Iron is found in every part of the state in suffi- 
.cient quantities to supply all the inhabitants, and the lower 



OF KENTUCKY. 103 

countries which are destitute. Copperas is made in West Ten- 
nessee, which contains a profusion of this mineral, as well as of 
alum. Great quantities of saltpetre are also manufactured from 
the nitrous caves. Some lead mines have been discovered. In 
the mountains a.re found the material for excellent grindstones ; 
in some places vast beds of slate. There is also a variety of flint, 
different sulphurets, beds of fossil coal, marble and limestone. 

JYatural Curiosities. — The Suck or Whirl in the Tennessee 
River forms an object of curiosity. As the waters, in their pas- 
sage through the Cumberland Mountains, approach the opening 
which they have forced through the rocks, a huge rock projects 
from the northern shore, and forces the stream from its direct 
course, and the current, opposed in its fearful impetuosity, hur- 
ries with tremendous violence to the opposite side of the pass, 
and rebounds with grand sublimity before it again rolls on its 
course to the ocean. The river in this spot is compressed to the 
widtli of 70 feet. There, are several caves, some of which have 
been explored, and others are too small to be entered, and too 
deep to be fathomed. 

There are on the mountains bordering on Tennessee the 
singular appearances of the footsteps of various animals of the 
forest, and the prints of men's feet of a peculiar form and size. 
Mr. Fisk has given a description of these curious appearances, 
and says that the impressions of human feet have uniformly six 
toes, with the exception of one track, which he considers thai 
of a negro. One of these tracks is very remarkable, being of 
the monstrous dimensions of 16 inches long, 13 wide between 
the extremities of the outer toes, and the diameter of the heel 
ball 5 inches. From the form of these impressions, the origi- 
nals have been supposed to be the progeny of Titan or Anak. 
It can hardly be imagined, that all these were the work of play- 
ful nature, or were wrought by the hand of the rude savage, but 
they probably remain as the chronicle of times long gone by, 
and testimonials of a race of men long since passed from the 
earth. To know, in cases like this, is beyond the power of man. 



KENTUCKY. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Exte7iL—This state lies between 36° 30' and 39° 10' N. lat. 
and between 81° 30' and 89° 20' W. Ion. Its length is 300 
miles ; its greatest breadth, 180 miles, and its least, 40. The 
Ohio winds along its northern side. The number of square 
miles is 39,000, or 24,960,000 acres. Thirty thousand square 
miles were supposed to be inhabited in 1817. 

Boundaries. — The Ohio, on the north, separates this state 
from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois ; Big Sandy River and Cumber- 
land Mountains separate it on the east from Virginia ; Ten- 
nessee lies on the south ; and the Mississippi, on the west, sep- 
arates it from Missouri. 



104 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 67 counties, and is en- 
titled to 12 representatives to congress. 

N'ame. — The River Kentucky gives its name to the state. 

Religion. — The Baptists are the most numerous denomination 
of Christians in the state, and the Presbyterians are the second 
in point of number. The Methodists are considerably numerous, 
and in principle Wesleyans. These three denominations live 
in perfect harmony, and have teachers highly respectable for 
their learning and piety. The laws make no provision for the 
support of religion, but the institutions of religion are observed 
with a good degree of zeal. 

Government. — The legislature, called the general assembly, 
consists of a senate and a house of representatives. The num- 
ber of senators is limited to 38, and the conditions of election 
are, that the member must have resided in the state six years, 
and in the district one year, and that he be 35 years of age. 
The number of representatives cannot exceed 100. A member 
must be a citizen of the United States, and have resided in the 
state the two years previous to his election, and in the town or 
county the last of these. 

Population. — The population of Kentucky, in 1790, was 
73,677, and, in 1820, was 564,317, including 126,732 slaves. 
The blacks have increased faster than the whites. 

Militia. — The militia of this state, in 1817, amounted to 
52,919, and are organized in the manner of the Virginia militia. 
Most of them are well disciplined, and prepared for efficient 
warfare, and in the late war were signalized for their bravery. 

Character. — The inhabitants possess all that variety of char- 
acter, which naturally arises from a diversity of education.. 
They are emigrants from almost every state in the Union, and 
from every country of Europe. A considerable number of the 
early settlers were men of education and worth, who have im- 
parted a good influence throughout the state. The Kentuck- 
ians are celebrated for their hospitality, and the cheerful recep- 
tion which they offer to strangers and travellers, to their huts 
and firesides. The wealthy contemn labour, and employ their 
slaves in every species of work, and make the possession of 
slaves a criterion of merit. 

Literature. — Transylvania College, at Lexington, is a respect- 
able and flourishing institution, and has connected with it a 
law school and a medical school. The university depends upon 
grants from the legislature, and the fees of the students, for the 
support of its officers, and to defray its expenses ; and these 
grants have been quite liberal. The legislature granted, a few 
years since, 6000 acres of land for the support of common 
schools, of which each county is to receive an equal share. 

Totvns. — Frankfort, the seat of government, is situated in a 
hilly country, on Kentucky River, 60 miles above its confluence 
with the Ohio. Population, 1700. 

Lexington, the largest town, is pleasantly situated tn a branch 
•f the Elkhorn, 22 miles south-east of Elkhorn. It is hand- 



& 



OF KENTUCKY. 105 

somely built, chiefly of brick, and is one of the greatest manu- 
facturing towns in the Western States. The population is 4000. 

Louisville is situated at the rapids of the Ohio, and has a 
population of 4000. Russelville, 190 miles south-west of Lex- 
ington, is situated in a very fertile country, with a population 
of 1700. The other most considerable towns are Maysville, 
Washington, Bairdstown, Paris, Danville, Georgetown, New- 
port, Winchester and Hopkinsville. 

Manufactures. — The amount employed in manufacturing es- 
tablishments in Kentucky was, in 1810, $7,200,000. This was 
invested in tanneries, distilleries, looms, powder and paper mills, 
salt works, cotton manufactories, spinning machines, forges and 
furnaces. 

Commerce. — The staple commodities in this state are hemp, 
wheat and tobacco. It is but a few years since the planters 
turned their attention to the cultivation of hemp. These, and 
the other articles of export, are carried down the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans, whence the foreign articles of con- 
sumption are chiefly brought up these rivers. Steamboat navi- 
gation will aid the commercial and manufacturing interests of 
Kentucky to an extent beyond our means to calculate. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — The atmosphere of Kentucky is a very moist one, 
which renders the ground generally muddy throughout the 
winter, and early in the spring. The inhabitants seldom expe- 
rience the extremes of heat and cold. The weather, in spring and 
fall, is delightful ; snow seldom falls deep, or lasts long ; and the 
winters, which begin at Christmas, never exceed three months, 
and commonly only two, and are eo noild that cattle subsist 
without fodder. 

Face of the Country. — The eastern counties are mountainouB, 
those on the Ohio are hilly ; the rest of the country is partly 
level, and partly undulating. The greatest natural disadvantage 
of this state is the failure of most of the streams during the 
summer. 

Soil and Productions. — For fifty miles around Lexington, the 
soil is'Bxceedingly good : also a district in the south-west, be- 
tween Green and Cumberland Rivers. All the level and undu- 
lating parts lie upon an immense bed of limestone, usually about 
eight feet below the surface. Its chief agricultural productions 
are wheat, tobacco, Indian corn, hemp, rye, and, to a small 
extent, cotton. Vineyards have been found to succeed. 

Rivers. — The Ohio bounds the state on the north, the Missis- 
sippi on the west, and the Big Sandy on the east. The Tennes- 
see and Cumberland flow through the western part. The other 
principal rivers are the Kentucky, Green, Barren and Licking. 

Springs. — The Olympian Springs are near the sources of 
Licking River, in a delightful and romantic situation. There 
are three different kinds of water within the space of half a 
mile. One of these is salt water, impregnated with sulphur and 



106 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

carbonic acid ; another is impregnated with iron, and is an ex- 
cellent chalybeate ; the third is merely a sulphur spring. There 
is another spring in Mercer county, strongly impregnated with 
Epsom salts, besides several other salt springs or licks. 

Mineralogy. — Iron ore abounds in various places ; but the 
metal is not of the best quality. It is well adapted for hollow 
ware, but does not answer for malleable iron. This superior 
sort is procured from Pittsburg. There is an immense quarry 
of marble on the banks of the Kentucky, which is of a grayish 
cast, beautifully variegated, and susceptible of a high polish. 
On the banks of the same river, 20 miles from Lexington, there 
is a peculiar mineral, which is semi-transparent, always breaks 
in a rhomboidal form, and has the double refracting power of 
the Iceland crystal. 

JVatural Curiosities. — There are caves in the south-west part 
of the state, which are great curiosities. One, styled Mammoth 
Cave, or the Great Cave of Kentucky, is situated in Warren 
county, in a country broken, but not mountainous, 130 miles 
south-west of Lexington. It has been explored to the extraor- 
dinary distance of 16 miles, and is found to contain numerous 
apartments and avenues, one of which comprises an area of eight 
acres, without a single pillar to support it, and is from 60 to 100 
feet high. In some parts of the cavern are the most beautiful 
and splendid columns of brilliant spar, sixty or seventy feet in 
height. The cavern abounds in nitre, and the air within is pure 
and salubrious. 

There are also the remains of fortifications in a good state of 
preservation, although they are buried beneath the wood of a 
third growth since the erection of these pilps They discover in 
the construction an ing-cnulty and skill far superior to any of the 
works of the present generation of savage Indians, and must 
have been the work of some race of men, who possessed the land 
long before the variety of our species, whom we have dispos- 
sessed of it, had wandered into the region. It is a curious sub- 
ject of speculation, to trace from the buried remains and works 
of art, that are scattered through this fertile country, the char- 
acter of those who originally formed them. The truth of the 
matter, however, is left untold, and must sleep in silence, unless 
some more sure record shall reveal it than the fanciful tradition 
of the Indians, or the still obscurer traces which are found 
among these ruins. 



OHIO. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.— Ohio lies between 38° 30' and 42° N. lat., and be- 
tween 80° 35' and 84° 47' W. Ion. Its mean length, from north 
to south, is 200 miles, and its mean breadth is 190. Its area is 
38,500 square miles, equal to about 24,000,000 acres. 

Boundaries. — Ohio is bounded on the north by Michigan 



OF OHft). 107 

Territory and Upper Canada ; on the east by Pennsylvania ; on 
the south by Virginia and Kentucky ; and on the west by Indiana. 

Divisions. — In 1820, the number of counties in this state was 
fifty-nine, and there are no divisions but these civil ones. 

Religion. — The principal denominations of Christians in Ohio 
are the Presbyterians, who had, in 1817, 48 ministers ; Metliod- 
ists, who had 34 ministers ; Baptists, who had 13 ; Newlights of 
the Christian Church, who had 9 teachers ; and the Episcopa- 
lians, Seceders and Congregationalists ; also the meetings of 
Friends in this state and Indiana were 59. 

Government. — The legislative authority of this state is vested 
in a genera] assembly, composed of a senate, to be chosen bien- 
nially, and a house of representatives, to be chosen annually, 
both by the people ; the representatives to be proportioned by 
law, from time to time, to the population. The senators are to 
be divided into two classes by lot, the seats of the first class to 
be vacated at the expiration of the first year, and those of the 
second to be vacated at the end of the second year, so that one 
half are to be annually chosen. 

Population. — The population in this state amounted, in 1790, 
to no more than 3000, and in 1820 it amounted to 581,434, be- 
sides the Indians. A more recent computation has placed the 
present number of tlie inhabitants at 1,000,000. The probabili- 
ty is, that the population will long continue to increase, but not 
with the same rapidity that it has for the twenty years past. 
The cheapness and fertility of the J and, the security of land 
titles, and the prohibition of slaves, which increases the price 
for labour, all go to encourage emigration. 

Character. — The inhabitants of tJiis state have not lived to- 
gether long enough to form a fixed and uniform character. The 
mass of the emigrants have been farmers from the Northern 
and Middle States, who were, in general, industrious, temperate, 
and frugal, with as much intelligence, and even more enterprise 
than the people of the states from which they emigrated. The 
Sabbath and other religious institutions are better supported 
than generally is found to be the case in new settlements. 

Literature. — One thirty-sixth part of the state of Ohio, that is, 
one section in each town, has been granted by the government 
of the United States, for the support of schools ; besides two or 
three townships for the establishment of colleges. The two 
principal colleges are located at Athens and Cincinnati. The 
Ohio University, at Athens, is endowed with two townships of 
46,000 acres of land, and has commenced its operations under 
very favourable auspices. The Western Reserve College hag 
been located at Hudson, and a commodious edifice erected. The 
college at Cincinnati is also a flourishing institution. Besides 
these institutions, there are academies, well endowed, in the 
principal towns of the state, so that the means of education are 
as great as in any state of the west. 

Towns. — Colinnbus, the seat of governmsnt, is situated on 
Ute Seioto, in the central part of the state, 45 miles n©rth of 



108 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Chillicothe. It was laid out in 1812, and contained in 1820 
about 1,600 inhabitants. Cincinnati is the largest town in the 
Western States. It is pleasantly situated on the Ohio, 465 miles 
below Pittsburg, by water, 300 by land. It is a flourishing town, 
regularly laid out, and handsomely built of brick, and has a 
flourishing trade, and extensive manufactures. The population, 
in 1820, was 9,600. The other principal towns are Chillicothe, 
Steubenville, and Circleville, which is remarkable for its sites, 
being built on two large, ancient forts, one circular, the other 
square ; Marietta, Dayton, New Lancaster, New Lisbon, St. 
Clairsville, Urban, Lebanon and Galliopolis ; and, on Lake Erie, 
Painsville, Cleveland, and Sandusky. 

Manufactures. — The amount invested in manufactures, in 
1810, was $2,900,000, and the articles of manufacture consisted 
of' linen, woollen, and cotton goods, leather, spirits, beer, iron, 
machinery, nails, &c. These establishments have very greatly 
increased in extent and value since that period. 

Banks. — There are over 30 chartered banks in Ohio, estab- 
lished at Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Zanesville, and the other prin- 
cipal towns throughout the state. 

Commerce. — The commerce of this state, and of the country 
generally, till within a few years, was carried on in flat-bottom- 
ed boats, keel-boats and barges, but is at present carried on al- 
most entirely by steamboats. The exports consist of tobacco, 
flour, pork, pot and pearl ashes, cheese, soap and candles, and 
lumber. The imports of East India, European and New England 
goods, and of the manufactures of the Middle States, have hith- 
erto been brought from Philadelphia and Baltimore. But the 
internal improvements of the country, which are projected, will 
facilitate the means of transportation both by land and water, so 
that the commerce of this state will be yearly increased. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — Owing to the unsettled state of the country, the 
climate has been unfavourable to the health of the settlers ; but 
it is found that the undue proportion of moisture contained in 
the atmosphere diminishes as the country becomes cleared, and 
the woodlands cultivated ; and this circumstance justifies the 
conclusion, that, when the country becomes extensively opened, 
the atmosphere will be as dry as that of any part of the Union. 
By accurate observations, made at Cincinnati for a course of 
nine years, it was ascertained that the mean annual range of the 
thermometer was 100°. The amount of rain and snow which 
falis annually is about thirty-six inches. 

Face of the Country. — About one fourth of the state of Ohio 
declines to the northern lakes, the other three fourths to the 
Ohio. The surface of the former is generally flat, and frequently 
marshy ; that of the latter is rolling and uneven, and beautifully 
diversified with round-topped hills, covered with a fertile soil, 
which bears a rich growtli of wood. Prairies, or large tracts of 
land naturally destitute of wood, abound here, as in all the coun- 



OF OHIO. 109 

fries west of the AUeghanies. In the northern parts of this 
state they occupy three fourths of the surface. 

Soil and Productions. — A large portion of the soil is very fer- 
tile. The country watered by the Scioto and the Great and 
Little Miamies, is accounted the best. The average produce of 
farming land in the state, and in the basin of the Ohio generally, 
is forty bushels of maize per acre, twenty-two of wheat, twenty- 
six of rye, thirty-five of oats, thirty of barley, and twelve to fif- 
teen hundred weight of tobacco. 

Rivers. — The Ohio forms the southern boundary. The prin- 
cipal rivers flowing into the Ohio in this state are "the Musking- 
um, Hockhockiug, Scioto, and the Miamies. The largest that 
flow into Lake Erie are the Miami, Sandusky and Cayahoga. 

Springs. — The Yellow Spring, in Greene county, 64 miles 
from Cincinnati, and two from the Falls of Little Miami, is a 
copious river, bursting from a fissure in the silicious limestone 
rocks ; and is, at the distance of a few rods, precipitated into a 
ravine more than a hundred feet deep. On its passage thither 
it has deposited an immense bank of brownish ochre, of which 
an attempt has been made to prepare a paint, which has been 
attended with the most flattering success. The springs mostly 
resorted to, by the people of Cincinnati, are the Salines at Big- 
Bone, 22 miles south-west of the town. There is said to be an 
oil spring, 42 feet deep, and 3 feet diameter, on Duck Creek, 
which yields an abundance of pure oil of the smell of British oil, 
which burns well in lamps. 

Botany. — The prevailing growth of timber, and the more use- 
ful trees, are maple, or sugar tree, sycamore, black and white 
mulberry, black and white walnut, butternut, chestnut, &c. &c. 
There is a sycamore tree, near Marietta, measuring 60 feet in cir- 
cumference, and, being hollow, will contain 18 or 20 men. The 
black walnut also attains to a very great size, and has been 
found to measure from seven to eight feet in circumference. 

Mineralogy. — ]\ear the Yellow Spring have been found spe- 
cimens of silver ore and iron ore ; coal and limestone are abun- 
dant. There are also found valuable beds of white and blue 
clay, which are a source of great profit to the owners. Salt 
springs of very considerable value are found on the Scioto River, 
also near the Muskingum, and on the military tract, which are 
the property of the United States. 

JVatural Curiosities. — The only natural curiosities of Ohio 
are the prairies, which are extended meadow lands of very groat 
extent, covered with grass of most luxuriant growth. They af- 
ford pastures for wild game and wild cattle, which are taken 
with great dexterity and art. The remains of fortifications, and 
the remnants of the works of ancient population, are objects of 
curiosity, and excite the attention of every inquisitive traveller. 
10 



110 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

'. \ 

INDIANA. ' ' 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.— This state lies between 37° 45' N. lat., and 41° 50'; 
and between 84" 42' and 87° 49' W. Ion. Its greatest length, 
from north to south, is 287 miles, and its breadth 155 miles, and 
it contains an area of 36,250 square miles. 

Boundaries. — The state is bounded north by Illinois, Lake 
Michigan and Michigan Territory, east by Ohio, south by Ken- 
tucky, west by Illinois. 

Divisions. — Indiana is divided into forty-three counties. 

Religion. — The principal religious sects are Presbyterians, 
Baptists and Methodists. They have few regular and settled 
ministers, but there is a prevailing disposition to receive mis- 
sionaries. A new sect of religionists have recently sprung up 
in the eastern part of the state, who call themselves Harmonians. 

Population. — The population of Indiana, in 1800, was 5,641, 
and in 1820, 147,178. The white population is principally con- 
fined to the southern part of the state. The Indians do not, 
probably, exceed 6,000 or 7,000. 

Character. — The population is made up of emigrants from the 
old states and Europe, who have brought the characters of those 
with whom they were originally associated. The settlement 
near Vevay is composed of Swiss, who emigrated to this country 
in 1805. They are a temperate, industrious people, and warmly 
attached to their new comtry. 

Jjiterature. — In the act of congress admitting this state into 
the Union, one section in each township is appropriated to the 
support of schools, and one entire township was given for the 
use of a college. 

Towns. — The towns in Indiana are small, and all of them have 
been recently settled, except Vincennes. Indianopolis is the 
seat of government, and was laid out in 1823. Vincennes, on 
the Wabash, is the oldest town, and a place of considerable 
trade. The otJier towns are Madison, Vevay, Corydon, Harmo- 
ny and Princeton. 

Commerce. — The commerce of this country centres at Vin- 
cennes. The merchants bring their goods from Canada down 
the Wabash, from Orleans up the Mississippi, and from the 
Eastern States down the Ohio, and up the Wabash. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — Near the Ohio the country is hilly ; 
farther north, generally level, and abounding in extensive prai- 
ries,, some of which are dry, others wet and marshy. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil and productions are similar 
to those in Ohio and Illinois. Agriculture is well conducted, 
and its products are abundant. Wine is made in Vevay, on the 
Ohio. 

Rivers.'— The Ohio ferms the southern boundary. The other 



OF ILLINOIS. . Ill 

large river is the Wabash, which is navigable for boats 400 
miles. Other rivers are the White River, White Water, Tip- 
pecanoe, Illinois and St. Joseph's. 

Mineralogy. — There is a coal mine on White River, and coal 
mines are said to be numerous on the banks of the Wabash. 

N'atural Curiosity. — In the southern part is the Indiana Cave, 
which is very extensive, comprising several apartments, variously 
decorated. It is remarkable for the great abundance of Epsom 
salts which it affords. 



ILLINOIS. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent— This state lies between lat. 36° 57' and 42" 30' N., 
and between Ion. 86° and 91° 20' W. It is 390 miles long, from 
north to south, and, on an average, more than 150 broad. 

Boundaries. — North by the North-west Territory, east by 
Lake Michigan and Indiana, south-east by Kentucky, and west 
by the Mississippi. 

Divisions. — This state is divided into 26 counties. 

JVame. — This state derives its name from the River Illinois, 
an Indian word signifying a man of full age, in the vigour of his 
years. Illinois River is the river of men. 

Population. — The population, in 1820, was 55,211. 

Government. — The constitution, which was adopted in 1818, 
in all its grand features, is very similar to the other states of 
the Union. The governor is chosen for four years. 

Literature. — A portion of every township is appropriated to 
the support of schools ; and provision has also been made for a 
college. 

Roads and Canals. — Two per cent, of the net proceeds of 
the United States' lands, lying within the state, are to be ex- 
pended, under the direction of congress, in making roads lead- 
ing to the state. A canal has been projected, to unite the head 
waters of the Illinois with Lake Michigan. 

Towns. — Vandalia is the seat of government, and is pleasanth' 
situated on the Kaskaskia, 65 miles north-east of St. Lo.uis. It 
was bandsomely laid out in 1819, and is a flourishing place. 
Some of the other considerable towns are, Kaskaskia, on the 
river of the same name, 6 miles east of the Mississippi ; Cahokia 
and Alton, on the Mississippi ; Edwardsville, 20 miles north- 
east of St. Louis ; Shawneetown, on the Ohio ; and Albion, a 
few miles from the Wabash. 

Manufactures and Commerce. — Manufactures scarcely exist, 
except a few products of domestic industry. Provisions anti 
grain are exported. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — Illinois has no mountains ; the face 
of the country is generally level, or moderately uneven. More 
than one half of the state consists of prairies. 



112 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Soil and Productions. — The soil is very fertile. Indian corn 
is one of the staple productions, and sometimes yields upwards 
of 100 bushels to an acre. The soil is well adapted to other 
kinds of grain, and hemp, flax, tobacco, &c. 

Rivers. — The Mississippi, Ohio and Wabash, form about two 
thirds of the whole of the boundary of the state. 

The Illinois is a fine river, lying chiefly within the state, and 
flowing into the Mississippi, 21 miles above the junction of the 
Missouri. It has a very gentle current, and is navigable to 
within a few miles of Lake Michigan. A canal, of a few miles 
in length, would open a water communication between the Mis- 
sissippi and the great lakes. 

The other principal rivers are the Kaskaskias, Big Muddy, 
Little Wabash, Sanguemon and Rock River. 

Mineralogy. — Coal is found in great abundance ; also valuable 
mines of lead and iron. Salt springs occur in almost every 
county, and are of great value. The most important salt works 
are in the neighbourhood of Shawneetown. 

JVatural Curiosities. — On the banks of the Ohio and Illinois 
are steep, high and picturesque clifi^s, in which are found cav- 
erns of different dimensions : the most remarkable of these is 
Cave in Rock, which is situated on the Ohio, 30 mUes below the 
mouth of the Wabash, and was formerly a rendezvous of rob- 
bers. 

In one of the head branches of the Illinois there is a singular 
fossil, or petnjied tree, lying in a horizontal position. It is 2d 
feet in diameter, and the part of the trunk now visible is 51 
feet long. 



MISSOURI. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.— li extends from 36" to about 40" 30' N. lat., and 
from 89° to 94° 10' W. Ion. 

Boundaries. — Missouri is bounded east by Mississippi River, 
which separates it from Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee ; south 
by Arkansas Territory ; west and north by Missouri Territory. 

Divisions. — The state is divided into 15 counties. 

Population. — Its population, in 1820, was 66,586, including 
10,222 slaves. 

Towns. — ^Jefferson, a new town, on the Missouri, a few miles 
above the mouth of the Osage, was laid out in 1822, and made 
the seat of government. 

St. Louis, on the Mississippi, 18 miles below the junction of 
the Missouri, is much the largest town. It is a flourishing place, 
admirably situated for trade, near the junction of the three great 
rivers, the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois. Population, 4600. 

The other principal towns are, St. Charles, on the Missouri, 
18 miles north-west of St. Louis ; Franklin, on the Missouri, 175 
miles west of St. Louis ; St. Genevieve and Herculaneum, on the 



OF MICHIGAN TERRITORY. 11 



o 



Mississippi, the principal depots of the lead mines ; and Potoei 
and St. Michael, the chief towns in the mining' district. 

Education. — A portion of the land in every township is appro- 
priated to the support of schools, and provision has been made 
for endowing a college. 

Manufactures. — The only manufactures, except domestic, are 
those of lead. 

Coinmerce. — This state carries on a considerable trade, chief- 
ly with New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburg, in the produce 
of its mines, the cattle of its prairies, and the furs of western 
regions. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The face of the country is greatly di- 
versified with plains, forests, prairies and barren and rocky hills. 
The lands bordering on the rivers are low, and subject to inun- 
dations. In the south-east part are the Ozark Mountains, some 
peaks of which are about 3000 feet high. 

Soil and Productions. — The land on the rivers is generally 
very ricli ; at a distance from them, much of it is poor. The 
productions are similar to those of Illinois. 

Rivers. — The Mississippi forms the eastern boundary ; the 
Missouri flows through the state ; and the Osage is a large, 
navigable river, flowing into the Missouri. The other prin- 
cipal rivers are the Charaton, Grand, Salt, Meramec and St. 
Francis. 

Mineralogy. — The famous lead mines of the Missouri lie about 
40 miles to the west of the Mississippi. They are among the 
richest and most extensive in the world. The mine district 
contains upwards of 3000 square miles. The soil is poor, and 
the surface rolling, like a body of water in gentle agitation. 
There are 45 mines, which employ 1100 persons, and yield an- 
nually 3 or 4,000,000 pounds of lead. Rich iron ore, in vast 
quantities, is found in the state. 

Antiquities. — Several skeletons were discovered, in the fall of 
1813, on the banks of the River Meramec, which indicate a 
stature unusually small, and are supposed by many to be the 
remains of an extinct race of human beings, of dwarfish origin, 
who inhabited the country at a former period. 



IVIICHIGAN TERRITORY. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.—TYvQ territory extends from 41° 31' to 46° 39' N. lat., 
and from 82° to about 86° W. Ion. It is 350 miles long, from 
north to south, and 212 broad, on the southern boundary. 

Boundaries.— M.\ch\gsia Territory is bounded north by Lake 
Superior ; east by Lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie ; south by 
Ohio and Indiana ; and west by the North-west Territory. 

Divisions.— The territory was divided, in 1820, into 7 counties. 
10* 



114 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

Population. — The population, exclusive of Indians, in 1810? 
waa 4762, and in 1820, 8896 ; none of these were slaves. 

Indians. — The number of Indians in this territory is estimated 
at between 9 and 10,000. The two principal tribes are the 
Chippewas and Ottawas. 

Government— The legislative power is vested in a governor, 
and a supreme court, composed of three judges ; all appointed 
by the president of the United States. 

Religion. — The greater part of the inhabitants were, till late- 
ly, Catholics, descendants of the French traders, and were sunk 
m a state of deplorable ignorance and wickedness. Lately the 
state of religion and morals has been rising. 

Literature. — A corporate body, styled "The University of 
Michigan," has been formed, similar to that which exists in 
New York and Georgia. This body has power to institute col- 
leges, academies and primary schools. 

Towns. — Detroit, the chief town, is delightfully situated on 
Jhe west bank of Detroit River, 9 miles from Lake St. Clair, and 
has considerable trade in furs and peltry. Population, 1422. 

Michillimackinac, pronounced Mackinaw, is an island in the 
straits of the same name, 300 miles north-north-west of Detroit, 
and contains upwards of 100 houses. St. Mary's village is at 
the foot of the rapids in St. Mary's River. 

Bank. — A bank has been established at Detroit, which is in 
operation. 

Manufactures. — The manufactures in this territory, in 1810, 
were estimated at 50,000 dollars. 

Commerce. — This territory is finely situated for commerce, 
being almost surrounded by navigable waters, which will soon 
be connected by canals with the Hudson on the one hand, and 
the Mississippi on the other. The vessels which navigate the 
lakes are from 10 to 60 tons. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Climate. — ^The climate is healthful, and much milder than 
that of the Atlantic States in the same latitude ; but upon the 
coast of Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, it is more severe. 

Face of the Country. — There are no mountains. The country 
is generally level, or moderately uneven ; in the central parts 
somewhat elevated, but level and marshy ; descending in all 
directions towards the waters. 

Soil. — A great part of the country has an extremely fertile 
soil ; but that part bordering on Lake Michigan is generally 
Bandy and barren. 

Rivers. — The rivers within this territory are numerous, but 
small. Some of the princinal ones are the Raisin, Huron, St. 
Joseph's and Grand RiversI They abound in white fish, and 
the fisheries are valuable. 

Lakes. — Lake Michigan lies wholly within this territory. It 
is 260 miles long, and 55 broad. Lake Huron lies partly in 
this territory, and partly in Upper Canada. Lake St. Clair, 



OF THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORY. 115 

lying between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, is about 90 miles in 
circumference. 

Islands. — Grand Isle is near the southern coast of Lake Su- 
perior, more than 100 miles from the eastern extremity of the 
lake. The St. Martin's Islands lie about 10 miles north-east of 
Michillimackinac. 



NORTH-WEST TERRITORY. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent.—lt extends from 42" 30' to 49° N. latitude, and from 
84° to 98° W. longitude. Its greatest length, from south-east 
to north-west, is 700 miles ; its greatest breadth, 550. 

Boundaries. — This territory is bounded north by the bounda- 
ry line between the United States and the British possessions ; 
east by Michigan Territory ; south by the state of Illinois ; west 
by the Mississippi. 

Population. — It has a few white inhabitants, who are subject 
to the government of Michigan. 

Indians. — The principal tribes of Indians in this territory are 
the Chippeways, Winnebagoes, and the Menomonies. Tlie 
whole number of Indians in the North-west Territory is esti- 
mated at 18,000. 

Settlements. — Prairie du Chien is a settlement on the Missis- 
sippi, 3 miles above the mouth of the Ouisconsin. There is an- 
other settlement at the head of Green Bay. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — The northern part, bordering on Lake 
Superior, is wild, rough, sometimes mountainous, and generally 
barren ; but most of the country is but moderately uneven, and 
a great part of it consists of prairies. 

Soil. — There are excellent alluvial tracts on many of the rivers, 
and much of the upland has a good soil. 

Rivers. — The Mississippi bounds this country on the west. 
The other chief rivers are the Ouisconsin, Fox, Menomonie, 
Chippeway, Coppermine, Rocky, Montreal, St. Louis, and St, 
Croix. 

Lakes and Bays. — Lake Superior, the largest lake in North 
America, lies on the boundary line between the United States 
and the British possessions. The principal bays are Fond du 
Lac, on the western extremity of the lake ; Chegoimegon Bay, 
and Keweena Bay. Sandy Lake is a small lake, about 12 
miles in circumference, in the western part of the territory. 

Copper Mines. — The southern coast of Lake Superior yields 
iron, lead, and various other metals, but particularly copper. 
On the banks of the Ontonagon, large masses of this metal are 
found in a pure state. 



116 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 



ARKANSAS TERRITORY. 

Situation. — Arkansas Territory is bounded north by Missouri 
Territory and state ; east by Mississippi ; south by Louisiana, 
and by Red River, which separates it from the Spanish domin- 
ions ; and west by the Spanish dominions. 

Divisions. — The territory is divided into 9 counties. 

Population. — This territory contained 14,273 inhabitants in 
1820, of whom 1,617 were slaves. 

Indians. — The principal tribes are the Cherokees and the 
Osages. Of the latter there are about 2,000, who inhabit seve- 
ral villages, and branches of the Arkansas River. 

Face of the Country. — Its eastern part is flat, and contains the 
great swamp, which receives the surplus waters of the Missis- 
sippi ; the western part is uneven, but very bare of wood ; the 
middle is occupied by the broad and low chain of the Ozark 
Mountains. Prairies are very common, and some of them of 
great extent. 

Soil. — In the eastern part there are rich alluvial tracts ; the 
western parts are dry and fertile. 

Towns. — A country so recently settled can have no consider- 
able towns. The village of Arkopolis, formerly called Little 
Rock, on Arkansas River, about 140 miles ftom its mouth, is the 
seat of government. The settlement was commenced in 1820. 
The post of Arkansas was established by the French, more than 
a century ago, on Arkansas River, 65 miles from its mouth. 
Dwight is a missionary station among the Cherokees, near the 
Arkansas, about 400 miles by the stream above its mouth. 

Rivers. — The Arkansas rises from the Rocky Mountains, and 
flows through the whole extent of this country. It is navigable 
for boats, at some seasons, nearly 2,000 miles. The Mississippi 
and Red River form a part of the boundary. The other princi- 
pal rivers are White, St. Francis, and Wachita. 

Hot Springs. — The Hot Springs, about 150 miles north-west of 
Arkansas, are about 70 in number, and much visited by invalids, 
and are useful in various complaints. The water is limpid and 
colourless, and so hot, at some seasons, as to boil eggs in a few 
minutes. The steam rising from the springs is condensed into 
a white vapour, which is often visible at a great distance. 

There are several salt springs ; and about 1,300 miles up the 
Arkansas is a tract of several miles in extent, called the salt 
prairie, which is covered, to the depth of 4 or 6 inches, with pure 
white salt. 



MSSOURI TERRITORY. 

Extent and Situation. — Missouri Territory is bounded north by 
the British dominions ; east by the North-west Territory and 
the states of Illinois and Missouri ; south by Arkansas Territory ; 



OF MISSOURI TEBBITORY. 117 

south-west by the Spanish dominions ; and west by the Rocky 
Mountains. 

Face of the Country and Soil. — The Missouri Territory com- 
prehends the vast region situated on both sides of that river, be- 
tween the state of Missouri and the Rocky Mountains. Of this 
territory, the eastern parts are level, moderately uneven, or hilly ; 
towards the west the country becomes elevated and mountainous. 
The soil in the eastern and southern parts is generally fertile, and 
also on the margin of the rivers. In the central and western parts, 
except on the border of the rivers, the country is, for the most part, 
destitute of timber and vegetation. Itisa vast, elevated, barren 
waste. 

Rivers. — The Missouri pursues a circuitous route through the 
heart of the territory. The three largest branches of the Mis- 
souri are the Yellow Stone, the Platte and the Kansas. 

Mountains. — The Rocky Mountains, the most elevated range 
within the territory of the United States, rise abruptly on the 
eastern side, from a plain which is supposed to be elevated about 
n,000 feet above the sea. They consist of ridges and peaks, the 
highest of vi^hich are covered with perpetual snow, and rise from 
4,000 to 8,000 feet above their base, or from 7,000 to 11,000 feet 
above the sea. They are rugged and broken, and, though gen- 
erally rather barren, they exhibit a scattering growth of scrab- 
by pines, oak, cedar and furze, and enclose some fertile valleys. 

Animals. — Buffaloes and other wild animals wander, in im- 
mense herds, over almost every part of the territory ; but par- 
ticularly on the banks of the Missouri and Arkansas, which are 
regarded as the paradise of hunters. Buffaloes are sometimes 
seen in herds, supposed to amount to 10,000. 

Indians. — This territory is inhabited, except at a few military 
posts, exclusively by Indians. The tribes best known to us are 
the Sioux, Osages, and Fox Indians. The Sioux are the most 
powerful tribe in North America. They are brave, spirited and 
generous, with proud notions of their origin, and of their supe- 
riority as hunters and warriors. Their number has been esti- 
mated at 22,000. The Osages live principally in this territory, 
but partly in Arkansas. Their whole number has been esti- 
mated at about 6,000. The Fox Indians are a small but warlike 
tribe, on both sides of the Mississippi, between the Ouisconsin 
and Rock Rivers. The whole number of the various tribes of 
Indians has been estimated at 150,000. 

The United States have military posts at Countil Bluffs and 
St. Peter's River. 

Curiosities. — The Great Falls of the Missouri are 2,570 miles, 
by the river, above its junction with the Mississippi. They 
consist of a succession of cataracts and rapids, and present 
scenes of great beauty and grandeur. The largest cataract is 
87 feet perpendicular, and the whole descent of the river is up- 
wards of 350 feet. 

The place where the river makes its escape from the moun- 
tains, called the Gates of the Rocky Mountains, is a scene of 



118 GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

singular grandeur. For a distance of more than 5 miles, the rocks 
rise perpendicularly from the water's edge nearly 1,900 feet. 
The river is compressed to the width of 150 yards, and for three 
miles there is but one spot on which a man can stand between 
the water and the perpendicular ascent of the mountain bank. 

On the Missouri, about 100 miles below the Great Falls, there 
are natural stone walls, rising in some places to the height of 
nearly 300 feet. They are almost perpendicular, exhibiting a 
great variety of forms, sometimes resembling different kinds of 
ruins, and often so regular as to seem the work of art. 

Near the foot of the Rocky Mountains are seen lofty eminen- 
ces, rising with perpendicular sides, and level, table-like summits. 
One of these singular hills is called Castle Rock, and has columns, 
porticoes, and arches ; and, when seen at a distance, it exhibits 
an astonishingly regular and artificial appearance. 



FLORIDA. 

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Extent and Situatio7i. — This territory of the United States is 
400 miles long, from Cape Sable to St. Mary's River, and 340 
broad, from the Atlantic to the Perdido River, which separates 
it from Alabama. It lies between lat. 25° and 31" N., and Ion. 
80° 30' and 87° 15' W. 

Boundaries. — Bounded north by Alabama and Georgia ; west 
by Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico ; south and east by the 
Atlantic. 

Divisions and Government. — While the Floridas belonged to 
Spain, they were divided into two provinces. East and West 
Florida, each of which had its own government. Since the 
cession of it to the United States, " all the military, civil, and 
judicial powers, exercised by the Spanish officers before the 
cession, are vested, by act of congress, in such person or persons, 
and to be exercised in such manner as the president of the 
United States shall direct, for the maintaining the inhabitants 
of said territory in the free enjoyment of their liberty, religion 
and property ; and .the laws of the United States, relative to the 
collection of the revenue, and the importation of persons of 
colour, shall be extended to said territory." 

JVame, — Juan Ponce de Leon gave the country the name of 
Florida, " because," says Purchas, " it was discovered on Palm 
Sunday, or Easter day, which the Spaniards call Pasqua Florida." 

Religion. — The prevalent form of the Christian religion is 
Roman Catholic. 

Population. — The population of Florida was estimated, in 1820, 
at 10,000, exclusive of Indians. 

Towns. — ^The most considerable places are St. Augustine on 
the east coast, which had 3,000 inhabitants, and Pensacola on 
the west, which had 2,000, both chiefly of Spanish origin. 
Tallahassee, a new town, is now the capital. 



OP THE WESTERN TERRITORY. Il5 

Commerce. — The trade of the eastern part of Florida centres 
in St, Augustine, that of the western part in Pensacola, which 
is the best port in the Mexican Gulf. 

NATURAL GEOGRAPHY. 

Face of the Country. — Florida is a flat country, interspersed 
with swamps, some of which are extensive. A ridge of lime- 
stone runs through the middle of the peninsula, and there is a 
little upland near the northern boundary. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil is in general barren and 
sandy, but on the rivers it is extremely fertile, and adapted to 
the culture of rice and corn; while cotton, coffee and sugar 
may be raised on the other soils in abundance. The live oak, 
much valued for timber, abounds in this country. The mag- 
nolias, which have already been described, are uncommonly 
striking objects. 

Rivers. — The Perdido forms the western boundary. The 
Appalachicola is formed by the union of the Flint and Chata- 
houchee Rivers, at the south-west extremity of Georgia. The 
St. John's is the principal river of Florida. Its whole length is 
about 300 miles, and it is navigable about 150. 

Bays. — Pensacola Bay, at the mouths of Escambia and Al- 
mirante Rivers, is 15 miles long, and from 3 to 7 broad. This 
bay is a great acquisition to the United States. 

Islands. — St. Rose's Island is every where narrow, and reaches 
from Pensacola Bay to St. Rose's Bay, about 45 miles. St. 
George's Islands are 6 leagues long, and of considerable breadth. 



WESTERN TERRITORY. 

The Western Territory includes the country watered by the 
Columbia and its branches ; and is but little known. The tract 
along the Rocky Mountains is a high, level plain, in all parts 
fertile, and in many covered with a growth of long-leaved pine. 
The rest of the country is nearly of the same description ; but 
the soil, in the district nearest the coast, is subject to excessive 
rains. The climate is severe in the mountainous parts, but 
milder near the shores of the Pacific. 

A fallen fir tree, in the Columbia valley, was found by Lewis 
and Clark to be 318 feet in length, though its diameter was only 
3 feet. 

The Columbia is navigable for sloops, as high as the tide water 
reaches, 183 miles. At the mouth of the river, the United States 
Iiave established a colony, which will probably soon be connected 
with the settlements on the Missouri, by a line of military posts. 

The Indian tribes, which are numerous in the Western Terri- 
tory, have been supposed to include a population ©f 80,000 souls. 



INDEX. 



Fage. 
f Geographical View of the Uni- 
ted States 3 

Extent and Boundaries — Gov- 
ernment 3 

( 'ourts and Laws G 

Ileligion 7 

Uivisions 8 

Population — Languages — Liter- 
ature 9 

Colleges and Universities 11 

Religious and Benevolent Soci- 
eties 11 

Canals executed and projected. 12 
Rail Roads executed and pro- 
jected 13 

National Roads 13 

Society, Manners and Customs . 14 

Arts 15 

Army — Navy 16 

Revenue — Expenditure — Public 

Debt 17 

National Funds— Mint 18 

Post Office— Banks 19 

Cities — Inland Navigation 20 

Inventions .22 

Manufactures — Commerce 23 

Natural Geography 24 

Soil and Agriculture 25 

Bays 26 

Sounds 27 

Capes — Rivers 28 

Lakes 29 

Mountains 30 

Forests — Botany — Zoology ... .31 
Mineralogy 32 



Page. 
Mineral Waters— Natural Curi- 
osities 33 

Vermont 34 

New Hampshire 37 

Maine 41 

Massachusetts 43 

Rhode Island 48 

Connecticut 50 

New York 54 

New Jersey 60 

Pennsylvania 63 

Delaware ... 67 

Maryland 69 

District of Columbia 72 

Virginia 75 

North Carolina 80 

South Carolina 82 

Georgia 86 

Alabama 89 

Mississippi 91 

Louisiana 95 

Tennessee 99 

Kentucky 103 

Ohio 106 

Indiana 110 

Illinois Ill 

Missouri 112 

Michigan Territory 113 

North-west Territory 115 

Arkansas Territory 116 

Missouri Territory 116 

Florida 118 

Western Territory 119 



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